How to Care for Torenia

Torenia fournieri, also called the Wishbone flower, is an annual with small green spreading leaves. The flowers present in shades of blue, purple and even yellow. The bushy plant grows to a foot tall. Torenia grows best when planted in a sandy loam soil with some clay. They prefer partial shade with light sun. Torenia blooms open up mainly in early to late summer. The flowers require a well-drained soil kept moist, yet they thrive in heat and humidity. If you are growing a torenia plant, follow these care instructions for best results.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden snips Garden gloves Fertilizer

1. Keep the soil moist to 18 inches below the surface of the ground where your torenia is planted. Do not let the soil dry out between watering.

2. Grow torenia plants in partial shade.

3. Remove the top three inches of the plant's branches after flowering to prevent the seeds from falling and starting new plants.

4. Prevent diseases by ensuring your torenia has adequate air flow. Thin out the plant's branches to increase sunlight; the sun helps prevent mildew. Prune all dead and infected leaves and branches twice a year after the bloooms die.

5. Add an all-purpose flower fertilizer to the soil once a month for best results. Purchase plant food at your local home and garden shop.

Tips & Warnings

• Torenia plants re-seed themselves. The seeds fall off and new plants are started. Torenia plants are very low maintenance.
• Do not let the hot summer sun beat down on your torenia plants.