Wishbone flower (Torenia fournieri) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

Wishbone flower has moderate watering requirements, but it likes being slightly on the wet side. Water your plant when the top few layers of soil feels dry, but don't let the soil dry out completely. Water thoroughly but keep in mind that waterlogged soil can only cause harm.

Fertilization

Wishbone flower can be fertilized every two or three weeks during the active growing season, from spring to fall. Feed your plant with an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.

Pruning

Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.

Soil

Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalky, Sandy loam, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Potting Suggestions

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

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Wishbone flower

Water

Twice per week

Sunlight

Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

8 to 11

Planting Time

Summer, Fall

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Questions About Wishbone flower

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Wishbone flower?

To water Wishbone flower, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or just about any other common watering tool. Generally, Wishbone flower is not too picky about how they receive their water, as they can live off of rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Often, you should try not to water this plant from overhead, as doing so can damage the leaves and flowers and may lead to disease as well. At times, the best method for watering this plant is to set up a drip irrigation system. These systems work well for Wishbone flower as they apply water evenly and directly to the soil. For one Wishbone flower that grows in a container, you can use a similar watering approach while changing the tools you use. To water a container-grown Wishbone flower, use a cup, watering can, or your tap to apply water directly to the soil.

What should I do if I water my Wishbone flower too much or too little?

The remedy for underwatering Wishbone flower is somewhat obvious. When you notice that your plant lacks moisture, simply begin watering it on a more regular basis. The issue of overwatering can be a much more dire situation, especially if you fail to notice it early. When your Wishbone flower is overwatered, it may contract diseases that lead to its decline and death. The best way to prevent this outcome is to choose a proper growing location, one that receives plenty of sunlight to help dry the soil and has good enough drainage to allow excess water to drain rather than pooling and causing waterlogged soils. If you overwater your Wishbone flower that lives in a pot, you may need to consider changing it to a new pot. Your previous container may not have contained soil with good drainage or may not have had sufficient drainage holes. As you repot your overwatered Wishbone flower, make sure to add loose soils and to use a pot that drains efficiently.

How often should I water my Wishbone flower?

Wishbone flower needs water regularly throughout the growing season. Beginning in spring, you should plan to water this plant about once per week. As the season presses on and grows warmer, you may need to increase your watering rate to about two to three times per week. Exceeding at this rate can be detrimental to your Wishbone flower. With that said, you should also ensure that the soil in which your Wishbone flower grows remains relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you must water to make that the case. Watering Wishbone flower that lives in a pot is a bit different. Generally, you'll need to increase your watering frequency, as the soil in a pot can heat up and dry out a bit faster than ground soil. As such, you should plan to water a container-grown Wishbone flower a few times per week in most cases, versus just once per week for an in-ground plant.

How much water does my Wishbone flower need?

There are a few different ways you can go about determining how much water to give to your Wishbone flower. Some gardeners choose to pick their water volume based on feeling the soil for moisture. That method suggests that you should water until you feel that the first six inches of soil have become moist. Alternatively, you can use a set measurement to determine how much to water your Wishbone flower. Typically, you should give your Wishbone flower about two gallons of water per week, depending on how hot it is and how quickly the soil becomes dry. However, following strict guidelines like that can lead to overwatering if your plant requires less than two gallons per week for whatever reason. When growing Wishbone flower in a container, you will need to use a different method to determine how much water to supply. Typically, you should give enough water to moisten all of the layers of soil that have become dry. To test if that is the case, you can simply stick your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. You can also water the soil until you notice a slight trickle of excess water exiting the drainage holes of your pot.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Wishbone flower enough?

It can be somewhat difficult to avoid overwatering your Wishbone flower. On the one hand, these plants have relatively deep roots that require you to moisten the soil weekly. On the other hand, Wishbone flower are plants that are incredibly susceptible to root rot. Along with root rot, your Wishbone flower may also experience browning as a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely for your Wishbone flower as these plants can survive for a while in the absence of supplemental watering. However, if you go too long without giving this plant water, it will likely begin to wilt. You may also notice dry leaves.

How should I water my Wishbone flower through the seasons?

You can expect your Wishbone flower’s water needs to increase as the season moves on. During spring, you should water about once per week. Then, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to give a bit more water to your Wishbone flower, at times increasing to about three times per week. This is especially true of Wishbone flower that grow in containers, as the soil in a container is far more likely to dry out faster than ground soil when the weather is warm. In autumn, while your Wishbone flower is still in bloom, it may need a bit less water as the temperature has likely declined, and the sun is no longer as strong as it was in summer.

How should I water my Wishbone flower at different growth stages?

Wishbone flower will move through several different growth stages throughout the year, some of which may require more water than others. For example, you will probably start your Wishbone flower as a seed. While the seed germinates, you should plant to give more water than your Wishbone flower will need later in life, watering often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture. After a few weeks, your Wishbone flower will grow above the soil and may need slightly less water than at the seedling phase. Then, once this plant is mature, you can begin to use the regular watering frequency of about once per week. As flower development takes place, you may need to give slightly more water to aid the process.

What's the difference between watering Wishbone flower indoors and outdoors?

There are several reasons why most Wishbone flower grow outdoors rather than indoors. The first is that these plants typically grow to tall. The second reason is that Wishbone flower needs more daily sunlight than most indoor growing locations can provide. If you are able to provide a suitable indoor growing location, you may find that you need to give your Wishbone flower water a bit more often than you would in an outdoor growing location. Part of the reason for this is that indoor growing locations tend to be a lot drier than outdoor ones due to HVAC units. The other reason for this is that soil in containers can dry out relatively quickly as well compared to soil in the ground.

Is pruning necessary for my Wishbone flower?

Wishbone flower is a kind of annual plant so it doesn't need much pruning. You only need to cut off and clean the diseased, yellow or dropped leaves and stems during its growing period. This will help your Wishbone flower to stay away from pathogens infection.

How do I prune my Wishbone flower?

During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off. If the whole piece of leave is discolored or infected, you will need to cut it off completely. In other situations, you will only need to cut off the discolored or infected part on certain leaves. Wishbone flower above the ground will die and dry up in the winter, and the dead plants need to be cleaned up.

Are there any cautions I should be careful with when pruning my Wishbone flower?

Wishbone flower leaves are delicate, so take care not to score or bruise them. Unless the leaves are withered or heavily discolored, do not prune the leaves from the lowermost branches unless they’re damaged. They typically grow the largest, so they supply the plant with critical energy to keep it growing right. Please prevent the wounds from water after pruning until they are fully recovered. Remember always sterilize the tools before pruning. When the pruning is finished, please throw all the waste leaves and stems into the trashbins to avoid diseases and bugs.

Are there any tips for pruning my Wishbone flower?

Sterilize all the tools before pruning; unclean tools will pass pathogens to the plant through wounds;
Prune on sunny days because the new cuts will be infected by pathogens if they're distained by rain or water.
Throw all the waste leaves and stems into trashbins, they will easily rot and attract diseases and bugs

When should/shouldn't I prune my Wishbone flower?

Expect to prune your Wishbone flower every week if it’s growing well or every two weeks if it grows slowly. It is always good to prune it on sunny days because if you prune it on rainy days, the rainwater will distain the cuts and cause the whole plant to be infected.

What should I look for when pruning my Wishbone flower in different seasons?

Because Wishbone flower is an annual plant, the pruning should take place basically during the seasons that the plant grows rapidly. During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off.

How many hours of sunlight does Wishbone flower need to grow?

The Wishbone flower prefers partial sunlight and will do well with a minimum of 3-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. When planting the Wishbone flower in your garden, it's best to choose a spot that has morning sun and afternoon shade. You can also plant the Wishbone flower under a tree that provides filtered sunlight. The Wishbone flower can be grown in containers and placed on a patio, balcony, or porch, but they should be moved around to get the right amount of light throughout the day.

What will happen if Wishbone flower doesn’t get enough sunlight?

When the Wishbone flower does not get enough sunlight, they will not grow well and will become leggy, with thin and long stems that tend to seek sunlight. They will not bloom or produce seeds in the shade. They will also develop yellow or pale green leaves, which will stunt their growth. The Wishbone flower will become more susceptible to diseases and pests if they are not getting enough light.

What will happen if Wishbone flower gets too much sunlight?

The Wishbone flower can be damaged by too much sunlight, especially during the hot summer months. They will develop brown spots on the leaves and flowers, and the leaves may even start to fall off. The Wishbone flower may also become dehydrated, and the leaves may wilt. If you notice any of these signs, move the Wishbone flower to a location with more shade or reduce the amount of sunlight they are getting.

Cautions and tips

When planting the Wishbone flower, it's important to choose a spot that provides the right amount of sunlight. The Wishbone flower prefers partial sunlight, and you should avoid planting them in areas that are in full sun all day. If you are growing Wishbone flower in a container, you should also choose a location that can tolerate partial sunlight or provide shade in the appropriate position to ensure they get the right amount of sunlight. When transplanting the Wishbone flower, it's important to avoid sudden sunlight exposure. Give the Wishbone flower time to mature before transplanting outside.

In conclusion, the Wishbone flower prefers partial sunlight and can grow well with a minimum of 3-4 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can be grown in containers and placed on a patio, balcony, or porch, but they should be moved around to get the right amount of light throughout the day. The Wishbone flower will not grow well if they do not get enough sunlight and can be damaged by too much sunlight, especially during the hot summer months. When planting the Wishbone flower, it's important to choose a spot that provides the right amount of sunlight and to avoid sudden sunlight exposure when transplanting.

What is the optimal temperature for Wishbone flower?

Colder temperatures can affect plants since they have the same temperature as the air around them. When they are exposed to the sun, they can start to get warm again, but this is not the case during winter. The temperature range for the Wishbone flower is often 70~85℉(21~30℃). They might tolerate 20~30℉(-6~0℃) even 15℉(-10℃), but not for long since this can result in frost damage. Maximum temperatures should be around 70~85℉(21~30℃), but make sure that you spray them with water from time to time and give them some shade to prevent wilting.

Should I adjust the temperature for Wishbone flower during different growing phases?

Do some research and make sure that the temperature is right when growing Wishbone flower. Some growers might consider decreasing the plants' thermostats during the growing season to reduce HVAC costs. However, it's vital to understand that the temperature can affect the flowering, pest management, and quality of the plants.

There will be a temperature point where the Wishbone flower will stop growing, and this can happen during the winter when some species might go into a dormant state. The base temperature becomes warmer when the season changes and the Wishbone flower can grow faster. The species that are naturally growing in warm habitats have higher optimum temperatures when you compare them to the ones that thrive in a cooler climate.

When the seeds of Wishbone flower are exposed to cool temperatures, this can cause a decrease in uniformity and delays. You might also want to lower the temperature during flowering but not at other phases. Cooler temperatures at night will also require less water, so adjust the irrigation as needed.

How can I keep Wishbone flower warm in cold seasons?

Stop fertilizing the plant to avoid new growth and allow the old ones to become hardy. This way, they can endure colder temperature when it begins to drop. To keep them warm, you can build structures around the Wishbone flower like cages or trellises. There are also options to use heat mats that can gently warm the soil since they can consistently maintain an ideal temperature range for the Wishbone flower.

How can I save Wishbone flower from temperature damage?

During winter, you can protect the Wishbone flower from frost by covering it with cloths, tarps, burlaps, sheets, or plastic buckets. Make sure to keep them down so they continue to act as insulators and the wind will not blow them away. However, ensure that the plastic sheets or burlap covers should not touch any part of the fruit or foliage, or the cold temperatures can transfer to the material and cause burns. When the temperatures begin to rise during the daytime, remove the covers.

Should I adjust the temperature for Wishbone flower in different seasons?

When growing the Wishbone flower in spring, you might want to increase humidity since the air temperature tends to be cooler at this time. A dry temperature can be a stressful growing environment for various species, which can help. If summer arrives, the large cover of the greenhouse and the warm temperature will mean that there will be a higher humidity level in the air. Some signs to look for are the condensation that is often found on the walls of the greenhouse, and this can cause issues with pollination and the development of infections when the water begins to fall on the leaves. Make adjustments according to the temperature and do some spraying during the hotter days of the year.

What damage will Wishbone flower suffer if the temperature is too high/low?

Generally, the first cold snap can destroy the Wishbone flower and others might go into a dormant state when the temperature is low. Some plants can get chilled when the temperatures range from 20~30℉(-6~0℃). They can freeze when the temperature begins to drop below 32℉(0℃). Those species that hide most of their parts under the soil might lose their structures above ground, but they can recover in spring. Some of the associated issues with too low temperatures are the lack of availability of resources like water, and nutrients, and those subtropical plants can suffer when the temperature reaches below 20℉(-6℃). The plants can also get damaged because of extreme heat stress when it's too high. This can reduce the transpiration rate that can affect the growth and productivity of Wishbone flower.

What tips and cautions should I keep in mind when it comes to temperature for Wishbone flower?

You need to cover the plants at night since these can add about 5 degrees more to protect the species from frost and freezing temperatures. The cloth rows can work well as blankets and ensure that there are no openings where the heat could escape.

When using the covers, avoid the plastic from touching the foliage because this can cause the Wishbone flower to freeze. Remember to keep the covers during the day and stop using heat pads during the summer. It will always be worth the effort to protect the cold-intolerant plants from freezing temperatures to help them survive.

How can I keep Wishbone flower warm without a heat pad?

If you prefer not to use a heat pad, bring the Wishbone flower inside, especially if it's freezing outdoors. During spring, consider the ones you need to bring indoors and plant them in moveable pots and containers.

How can I provide Wishbone flower with an adequate temperature condition?

Most often, the ones caring for the Wishbone flower will grow them in greenhouses. This is because they can provide adequate temperature in these areas that won't affect the photosynthesis process of a specific process.

Some install the proper HVAC systems to control the temperatures of Wishbone flower. This can handle many species' cooling and heating needs, especially during the summer and winter. They generally place the cooling or heating pad under the plants rather than above to achieve their desired temperatures.

If outdoors, you can protect the Wishbone flower from frost by covering it with cloths, tarps, burlaps, sheets, or plastic buckets.

Under what conditions should I stop adjusting the temperature for Wishbone flower?

Heat mats are often left on Wishbone flower to set the temperatures at a more consistent level. When the weather becomes warmer during the day, you can remove them, especially if the species are exposed to the sun. Put the pads away once the plants are established and when they start growing flowers and fruits.

Why do I need to fertilize my Wishbone flower?

All plants need nutrients to grow, but some types are able to take what they need and don’t need any supplementation with fertilizers. Wishbone flower, like other plants, use nutrients to support growth and all internal processes.

Each of the main nutrients that plants use (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) contribute to one or more of a plant’s essential functions, and in the case of foliage it is nitrogen that provides the most support. It can be difficult for a Wishbone flower to get enough nitrogen from the soil, which is why many gardeners prefer to supplement by feeding Wishbone flower with a source of nitrogen.

When is the best time to fertilize my Wishbone flower?

Wishbone flower generally grows well, but a fertilizer can be applied about once a month to give the plant a boost when it is actively growing. You should fertilize Wishbone flower about once a month only during the spring and summer months, but not during fall and winter when it becomes less active and does not use as many nutrients.

You’ll know when to start fertilizing Wishbone flower if you see signs of new growth. The fertilization schedule remains the same whether the plant is grown outside or indoors in a container. However, if your Wishbone flower is in a container, you probably will not need to fertilize for the first one to two months. Potting soil made for container plants already contains plenty of nutrients, so you should only start to fertilize after your plant has been in the same soil for a while.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Wishbone flower?

Never fertilize your Wishbone flower if it is not healthy, for example if it has developed a disease or has insect pests on it. Also do not fertilize a dehydrated plant, since the fertilizer will make this problem even worse. Only fertilize healthy plants.

Do not splash fertilizer onto the leaves or stem of this plant when watering, since it can cause burned spots. Be careful not to allow the fertilizer to make direct contact with the plant, unless you are usually a special fertilizer designed to be applied to the foliage.

What type of fertilizer does my Wishbone flower need?

Fertilizers contain high levels of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, along with other essential nutrients such as iron, manganese and zinc. These are all necessary elements that promote growth in Wishbone flower.

A balanced fertilizer works well for Wishbone flower, for example an all-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK number. For natural fertilizers, blood meal or worm castings work well. You may also choose a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen than other nutrients, such as fish fertilizer. Nitrogen provides support to leaves, which are the main feature that people want from Wishbone flower. There is no point in providing a lot of supplements for flowers or seeds if that is not your purpose in growing the plant.

How do I fertilize my Wishbone flower?

Apply fertilizer based on the instructions on the particular type you have purchased. It is generally a good idea to start with half-strength fertilizer to avoid accidentally over-fertilizing your Wishbone flower. Since this plant requires frequent fertilization, it is common to accidentally fertilize too much. Remember that it’s always easier to add more fertilizer than it is to try to save an over-fertilized plant.

Don’t apply fertilizer to dry soil - it should already be at least somewhat moist before fertilizing. This helps the fertilizer absorb more easily and helps avoid fertilizer burn. You should also water after applying dry fertilizers to your soil.

Some fertilizers are meant to be mixed into the soil when planting, while others are applied on top of the soil and then watered in. For most types of Wishbone flower, a water soluble fertilizer is an easy choice. Simply mix the fertilizer solution into your watering can at the recommended dosage for Wishbone flower and then water the plant as usual. Slow-release granules or fertilizer spikes can also work well if you prefer not to remember to fertilize monthly.

What happens if I fertilize my Wishbone flower too much?

Over-fertilization leads to a build-up of salts in the soil which leads to a lack of vitality overall and pale coloration in the leaves. Leaves may also wilt or develop brown tips as the excess salt from the fertilizer tries to make its way out of the leaves.

Too much fertilizer makes it impossible for the plant to take up water and nutrients, which will eventually kill it if you don’t take steps to save your Wishbone flower. If the Wishbone flower is in a container, you could either remove it from the pot and repot it in fresh potting mix, or flush out the soil by running a lot of water through and letting it drain out thoroughly.

If your Wishbone flower is outdoors, the same theory applies, although it can be more difficult to flush outdoor soil. Water thoroughly and hold off on fertilizing again for a while. You may want to perform a soil test before you add any more fertilizer to make sure you don’t provide too much of any one nutrient.

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More About How-Tos

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Feng shui direction

North

The wishbone flower potentially harmonizes with North-facing surroundings. This direction, associated with water in Feng Shui, mirrors the wishbone flower's preference for moist, cool environments. However, as Feng Shui is unique to everyone, personal energies should be considered for optimal alignment.

Water

Twice per week

The wishbone flower prefers consistently moist soil, but not overly wet. Its watering preferences are influenced by its origin in damp, shady environments. Ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogging. Seasonal adjustments in watering may be required during hot, dry periods.

Lighting

Partial sun

Wishbone flower thrives in areas where it is exposed to the sun for part of the day, while also tolerating areas with continuous sun or shade. However, excessive or insufficient light exposure can inhibit its growth. This is in line with its original habitat where sunlight exposure varies.

Temperature

0 to 35 ℃

Wishbone flower is native to environments where temperatures vary from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It thrives best in this warm range. In different seasons, slight adjustments may be needed to meet its temperature preferences.

Transplant spacing

6-8 inches

The prime time to transplant wishbone flower is from early summer to mid-summer, providing a perfectly warm and bright environment. Aim for a spot with partial to full shade, ensuring adequate moisture. Be gentle with the roots to ensure successful establishment and bountiful growth.

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Wishbone flower based on 10 million real cases

Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

Solutions: If flower withering is a natural progression due to age, there is nothing that can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible. For lack of water, immediately water the plant using room temperature rainwater, bottled spring water, or filtered tap water. Water container plants until excess water drains out the bottom; water in-ground plants until the soil is soaked but there isn’t standing water on the surface. In the event of nutritional deficiencies, the best solution is to use a granular or water-soluble liquid fertilizer, and apply it to the soil at about half the recommended dosage. Keep it off the leaves and make sure granular products are watered into the soil well. If the plant is infected with a bacterial or fungal pathogen, there is no course of treatment that cures the diseased plants. The best solution is to remove the infected plants and dispose of the plant material off-site. Do not put in a compost pile.

Wilting after blooming

Flowers may wither for a variety of reasons.

Solutions: Check the soil or potting medium. Coarse textures can allow water to drain too rapidly, preventing the plant from taking up enough. If the soil and roots seem very dry, add sphagnum moss or other mediums that hold water. Water according to recommendations for each plant's species. Low humidity can be corrected by misting the plant regularly or placing it near a humidifier. Keeping it near other plants helps, too. Keep the environment consistent in terms of temperature, humidity, and lighting. Keep it away from vents, heaters, and air conditioners, and avoid moving it to locations where it will experience a temperature shock. Hot, dry heat, and cold drafts are problematic for many plants. Especially if the plant is outside, it could be experiencing heat or light stress. Try moving it to a shadier location.

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Solutions: For less serious cases: Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread. To treat more serious infestations: Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions. Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.

Leaf rot

This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.

Solutions: Bacterial infections need to be treated quickly to prevent the spread to neighboring, healthy plants, potentially wiping out large sections of your indoor or outdoor garden. In mild cases: Use sterilized (10% bleach solution) pruning shears or scissors to remove any infected plant parts, making sure to dispose of them off site. Use a copper-based bactericide to treat the unaffected foliage, as well as the soil, and neighboring plants. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label. In severe cases, where more than half the leaves are affected: Remove all of the infected plants from the garden, disposing of them off site. Treat the soil and neighboring plants using a copper-based bactericide. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label.

Sap-sucking insects

Sap-sucking insects can create dense clusters of small yellow or white spots on the leaves.

Solutions: Sap-sucking insects can be hard to spot, as they are often small and attach to the undersides of plant leaves. If you see signs of an infestation, follow these steps to eradicate it. Hand-pick bugs and remove eggs: Inspect your plants for insects and drop any you find in a container of soapy water. Look carefully at the undersides of plant leaves and squish any egg clusters you find. Use Insecticide: Targeted spraying can take out sap-sucking insects. Small infestations can be controlled with insecticidal soap, though larger outbreaks might require a stronger spray. Introduce natural predators: Many insects, including ladybugs and praying mantises, love to feast on sap-suckers. You can purchase them at garden stores and release them near infected plants, or encourage wild ones by creating habitat space.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Disturbed upland

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

White

Purple

Blue

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Wishbone flower

The wishbone flower earns its common name because the flower contains two stamens that connect at the anthers and resemble a chicken’s wishbone. The scientific genus name honors Olaf Toren, an 18th-century Swedish botanist.

Symbolism

Meanings

Usages

Garden Use

Wishbone flower is a bushy annual suitable for shady areas of a garden, where it can provide a constant injection of color throughout the summer until the first frost. The vibrant purple-colored flower contrasts well against dark evergreens and makes a wonderful addition to hanging baskets and woodland gardens.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Family

Lindernia

Genus

Wishbone flowers

Species

Wishbone flower

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Useful Tips

Most Common Herb

Plant Collection Most Common Herb Golden pothos See More The Golden pothos is a popular flowering house plant that’s commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including “devil’s ivy,” because it is so hard to kill, and can grow in the dark. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, soContinue reading “Most Common Herb”

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Wishbone flower

Torenia fournieri

Wishbone flower (Torenia fournieri) is an ornamental flowering plant often found in gardens. Wishbone flower is native to tropical Asia and Africa. Gardeners often grow this species in hanging baskets because it is easy to grow from seeds or from small cuttings.

Water

Twice per week

Sunlight

Partial sun

Care Guide for Wishbone flower

Water

Fertilization

Pruning

Soil

Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalky, Sandy loam, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Potting Suggestions

Needs excellent drainage in pots.

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Questions About Wishbone flower

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Wishbone flower?

What should I do if I water my Wishbone flower too much or too little?

How often should I water my Wishbone flower?

How much water does my Wishbone flower need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Wishbone flower enough?

How should I water my Wishbone flower through the seasons?

How should I water my Wishbone flower at different growth stages?

What's the difference between watering Wishbone flower indoors and outdoors?

Is pruning necessary for my Wishbone flower?

How do I prune my Wishbone flower?

Are there any cautions I should be careful with when pruning my Wishbone flower?

Are there any tips for pruning my Wishbone flower?

When should/shouldn't I prune my Wishbone flower?

What should I look for when pruning my Wishbone flower in different seasons?

How many hours of sunlight does Wishbone flower need to grow?

What will happen if Wishbone flower doesn’t get enough sunlight?

What will happen if Wishbone flower gets too much sunlight?

Cautions and tips

What is the optimal temperature for Wishbone flower?

Should I adjust the temperature for Wishbone flower during different growing phases?

How can I keep Wishbone flower warm in cold seasons?

How can I save Wishbone flower from temperature damage?

Should I adjust the temperature for Wishbone flower in different seasons?

What damage will Wishbone flower suffer if the temperature is too high/low?

What tips and cautions should I keep in mind when it comes to temperature for Wishbone flower?

How can I keep Wishbone flower warm without a heat pad?

How can I provide Wishbone flower with an adequate temperature condition?

Under what conditions should I stop adjusting the temperature for Wishbone flower?

Why do I need to fertilize my Wishbone flower?

When is the best time to fertilize my Wishbone flower?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Wishbone flower?

What type of fertilizer does my Wishbone flower need?

How do I fertilize my Wishbone flower?

What happens if I fertilize my Wishbone flower too much?

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More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Wishbone flower based on 10 million real cases

Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

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Wilting after blooming

Flowers may wither for a variety of reasons.

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Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

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Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

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Leaf rot

This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.

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Sap-sucking insects

Sap-sucking insects can create dense clusters of small yellow or white spots on the leaves.

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Treat and prevent plant diseases.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Disturbed upland

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

White

Purple

Blue

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Wishbone flower

Symbolism

Meanings

Usages

Garden Use

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Lindernia

Genus

Wishbone flowers

Species

Wishbone flower

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Related Plants

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

# Useful Tips