Commelinaceae
The Commelinaceae family, commonly known as the spiderwort family, represents a significant group of monocotyledonous flowering plants. This family includes both perennial and annual herbs that are widely recognized for their ease of propagation and distinct vegetative structures. They are characterized by their jointed stems and alternate leaves with sheathing bases.
What the section contains
Erect dayflower
Commelina erecta
Floscopa
Floscopa
4 items
Forrestia
Forrestia
2 items
Geogenanthus
Geogenanthus Ule
1 item
Geogenanthus
Geogenanthus
1 item
Gibasis
Gibasis
1 item
Hairy Tradescantia
Tradescantia hirta
Hairy-flower spiderwort
Tradescantia hirsutiflora
Long-leaved cyanotis
Cyanotis longifolia
Murdannia
Murdannia Royle
1 item
Murdannia
Murdannia
Murdannia blumei
Murdannia blumei
Murdannia clarkeana
Murdannia clarkeana
Murdannia keisak
Murdannia keisak
Murdannia spirata
Murdannia spirata
Murdannia triquetra
Murdannia triquetra
Murdannia vaginata
Murdannia vaginata
Murdannia versicolor
Murdannia versicolor
Ohio spiderwort
Tradescantia ohiensis
Palisota
Palisota
Palisota elizabethae
Palisota elizabethae
Palisota hirsuta
Palisota hirsuta
Palisota mannii
Palisota mannii
Pine spiderwort
Tradescantia pinetorum
Pollia
Pollia
1 item
Purple Heart
Tradescantia pallida
Setcreasea
Setcreasea
Siderasis
Siderasis
1 item
Spreading dayflower
Commelina longicaulis
Stanfieldiella
Stanfieldiella
1 item
Streptolirion
Streptolirion
1 item
Thick-leaved tradescantia
Tradescantia crassifolia
Tinantia
Tinantia
2 items
Tradescantia
Tradescantia L.
6 items
Tradescantia andersoniana
Tradescantia andersoniana
Tradescantia diuretica
Tradescantia diuretica
Tradescantia gracilis
Tradescantia gracilis
Tradescantia hirsuticaulis
Tradescantia hirsuticaulis
Tradescantia hybrids
Tradescantia hybrids
Tradescantia sillamontana
Tradescantia sillamontana
Tradescantia wrightii
Tradescantia wrightii
Tripogandra
Tripogandra
3 items
Weldenia
Weldenia
1 item
Western spiderwort
Tradescantia occidentalis
Zebrina
Zebrina
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Commelinaceae
The native distribution of these plants is primarily concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. In agricultural and horticultural contexts, they are highly valued for their adaptability. While some species grow in the wild as understory plants, many have been domesticated for indoor cultivation and landscaping in warmer climates.
Botanically, Commelinaceae species possess fleshy stems and nodes that allow for efficient vegetative spread. Their leaves are often succulent, showing a variety of patterns and colors. The flowers are typically trimerous, featuring three sepals and three petals, and often open only for a single day, which is a unique physiological trait of the family members.
Effective cultivation requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and a consistent moisture level. They thrive under filtered or indirect sunlight, as direct exposure can lead to leaf scorch. Proper agricultural management includes regular pruning to maintain a bushy growth habit and prevent the plants from becoming leggy. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root and stem rot, which are common in these species.
The primary economic and household use of Commelinaceae is in the ornamental plant trade. Popular genera such as Tradescantia and Callisia are staple indoor plants globally. Pests like spider mites and mealybugs are common threats, often occurring when the ambient humidity is too low. Good sanitation and monitoring ensure healthy plant development and longevity.
- Growth climate: Warm and humid
- Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
- Propagation: Stem cuttings
- Common pests: Aphids, spider mites