Cyanotis

Family Commelinaceae. Native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa. About 40-50 species occur in nature.

Cyanotis somaliensis - a small herbaceous plant with creeping stems. Leaves sessile, alternately arranged, with a tubular sheath enclosing the stem. Leaves fleshy, lanceolate, about 5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The underside of the leaf is reddish-purple. The stems and leaves (along the edges and on the underside) are covered with long white hairs. Flowers in short terminal inflorescences or solitary, bright blue.

Cyanotis kewensis - a small herbaceous plant with creeping stems. Leaves sessile, alternately arranged, with a tubular sheath enclosing the stem. Leaves fleshy, ovate or cordate-lanceolate in shape, about 3-4 cm long, 1.5-2 cm wide. The underside of the leaf is reddish-purple. Stems and leaves densely pubescent with short reddish hairs. Flowers in short terminal inflorescences ranging in color from reddish to purple.



Temperature: Moderate. Winter minimum 8°C, optimal 12-13°C.

Light: Cyanotis are light-loving; they may require some direct sunlight during the cooler part of the day.

Watering: Moderate from spring to autumn — the soil should be slightly moist; in winter water rarely, the soil should be almost dry.

Fertilizer: From March to August feed with a fertilizer for indoor ornamental foliage plants every two weeks.
Humidity: Cyanotis are not particular about air humidity.

Repotting: Soil - 1 part turf, 2 parts leaf mold, 1 part humus, 1 part peat soil and 1 part sand.

Propagation: By stem cuttings in spring and by seeds.