Torenia

Family. Scrophulariaceae.

Origin. Tropical regions of Asia.

Description. Torenias are dense small shrubs, among which there are annual and perennial species. The leaves are green, simple, with pronounced veins, lanceolate, about 5 cm long, arranged oppositely, in pairs. The edges of the leaf blades are serrated. These plants are characterized by abundant and prolonged flowering. The shades of the buds include almost the entire color range, including varieties with two-color and three-color flowers. The diameter of the flowers is 3 - 4 cm.

Height. 20-30 cm, grows very quickly at home.

Caring at home

Growing from seeds 

The seeds are scattered over the soil surface in spring, without covering them with a substrate, as they need light to germinate. The seedlings are kept at a temperature of about 18 - 20 °C, germination occurs within 10 - 5 days. The first pinching is done when the seedlings reach a height of 7 - 10 cm.

Planting and care 

The tips of young shoots are regularly pinched to form more lateral branches. Fading buds should be removed to prolong the flowering period.

Growing conditions - temperature

The torenia is kept all year round at a temperature of 18 - 22 ° C. In the winter months, the room temperature should not fall below 15 ° C. 

Lighting

A brightly lit, sunny windowsill with plenty of reflected light is suitable for growing. Direct sunlight is acceptable in the morning and evening hours. During the day, the leaves require shading.

Soil

Permeable soil with a high content of organic matter in the form of peat, leaf humus and rotted manure. It is not demanding on pH.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, fertilizing is carried out every 2 weeks with complex water-soluble fertilizers. Plants in the dormant period are not fed. 

When it blooms

Flowering time is from June until the first frost, the flowering period is very long. 

Spraying

The bush needs good air circulation, but this species does not like cold drafts. Air humidity increases mainly with the onset of extreme heat or when the central heating is turned on.

Irrigation

The substrate should remain evenly moist throughout the growing season. Torenia does not like to dry out. In spring and summer, you can immerse the pot with the plant for a few minutes in a large container filled with water at room temperature. In autumn and winter, the frequency of watering is slightly reduced. 

Transfer

Transplant only if necessary, in spring. The flower does not like transplants and takes a long time to recover from the slightest damage - use transshipment. After planting, the soil around the root system is carefully compacted with fingers so that air pockets do not form. Annual species are thrown away after flowering, they do not need to be transplanted.

Diseases and pests

Torenia sheds its leaves when the soil becomes dry. Powdery mildew occurs when there is poor air movement around the plant. When moisture stagnates, root rot appears.

Harmful insects - aphids, spider mites. When grown outdoors during warmer months, slugs and snails may appear.

Purpose

Suitable for landscaping open areas - loggias and balconies. Look great in hanging baskets.  

Varieties:

Torenia fournieri

A beautiful, profusely flowering, annual, shade-tolerant plant that will bloom even when grown in partial shade. The flowers are large, funnel-shaped, often of 2 shades - with 4 round, fused purple or pink petals and a white or yellow throat. The leaves are oblong-oval green, located opposite on the stems. The surface of the leaf blade has slight pubescence, and the edges have small denticles. 

Torenia fournieri "Duchess"

Torenia Duchess is becoming increasingly popular  - a compact and early flowering plant that looks great both in pots and in hanging plant pots. The bushes have very attractive, large, funnel-shaped flowers with bright pink and dark purple petals, a white throat with a yellow spot.