Scurvy Grass (Commelina ensifolia) is a spreading, herbaceous perennial with distinctive blue flowers, often found in moist, shaded areas and used as a groundcover.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light.
75% intensity
Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun.
Keep soil consistently moist.
75% intensity
Allow top inch to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Average room temperatures.
50% intensity
Prefers 18-24°C. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Feed during growing season.
50% intensity
Balanced liquid fertilizer, half strength, every 4-6 weeks. None in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months when growth slows.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems. Pinch back the tips of young shoots to promote branching. Regular pruning helps to keep the plant compact and vigorous.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and placed in moist potting mix. They root readily when kept warm and in bright, indirect light.
Division of clumps is also effective.
Repot annually or biennially in spring when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Scurvy Grass (Commelina ensifolia)
Where Scurvy Grass (Commelina ensifolia) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Commelina |
| Species | Commelina ensifolia |
Similar in genus Commelina
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
