Turnera

Family. Turneraceae.

Origin. South and Central America.

Description. Turnera is a low and dense, evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub with drooping stems. The leaves are green, oblong-lanceolate, glossy, with well-defined veins, arranged oppositely, in pairs. The edges of the leaf blades have teeth. When damaged, the leaves do not always emit a pleasant odor. The flowers are yellow or white, less often red or orange, solitary, with 5 rounded petals, about 5 cm in diameter, open in the daytime.

Height. 60 - 120 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Turnera is suitable for year-round warm conditions at a temperature of 18 - 24 ° C. This plant does not have a pronounced dormancy regime.

Lighting

The indoor flower does not like direct sunlight on its leaves, but prefers a well-lit place with a lot of reflected light. 

Care

This plant is easy to grow only in rooms with high air humidity. Long stems are pruned after flowering. Old and diseased branches are removed in a timely manner.

Substrate

Loose soil with a high content of organic matter in the form of peat, leaf humus and well-rotted manure. To improve drainage, add perlite or river sand. 

Feeding

From spring to fall, feed with water-soluble fertilizer at half strength every 2 weeks. 

Purpose

The bush can be used as an attractive ground cover species.

Flowering time

Flowering is most abundant in spring and summer, but individual buds may appear at other times of the year.

Air humidity

High. We increase the air humidity in the room by constantly spraying water over the plant or by placing the plant on a tray with wet pebbles.  When spraying, try not to get water on the flowers. 

Soil moisture

Young seedlings will appreciate regular watering during the growing season, and adults will gain drought resistance. Reduce the frequency of watering slightly in autumn and winter.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out in spring. Adult bushes are transplanted every 2-3 years.

Reproduction

Turnera propagates vegetatively - by cuttings, division during transplantation, or by seeds sown in the spring. Cuttings can take root even in a glass of water. Seedlings and young plants are kept warm - at a temperature of at least 20° C.

Pests and diseases

 The main pests of the flower are aphids and whiteflies.