Weldenia is a genus with only two species found in Mexico and Guatemala. This rare and unusual genus belongs to the Commelinaceae family, or Spiderworts, that includes plants such as Dichorisandra, Tradescantia, and Commelina. The genus has thickened, tuberous, finger-like roots, and deciduous leaves that are lost during the dry season.
Weldenia candida grows at very high altitudes (over 3000 meters) in coniferous forests and should be considered a subject for the alpine house. The plant flowers at the same time as the rosette of leaves is emerging from the ground with the first rains of summer. Several pure white flowers are produced simultaneously which distinguishes this plant from most other members of the Commelinaceae family which tend to have blue flowers.
The plant grows very deep and in cultivation the plant should be grown in a pot that it 3-4 times as deep as it is wide. An ideal potting mix is sandy and acidic with lots of composted organic material.
Interestingly, the original type specimen and description by Count Karwinsky was based on a plant found on the slopes of the Nevado de Toluca volcano in Mexico. This photograph of the plant in flower was taken in its natural habitat at the same location. The first photo was taken by: Dennis Szeszko. The second was taken by Bill Dijk who wrote: "this plant flowered late spring early summer bearing a succession of upright, cup-shaped, pure white flowers for many weeks, with many buds opening almost daily. Keep dry autumn to late winter."
Weldenia schultesii grows near the Guatemala Mexico border.