Turnera pumilea
Care, watering, light and tips for Turnera pumilea on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Turneraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Turnera pumilea
Turnera pumilea, commonly known as Yellow Alder, is a low-growing perennial herb perfect for ground cover or edging in tropical and subtropical gardens. It produces delicate yellow flowers with a darker center that open in the morning and close in the afternoon. Its trailing habit and continuous blooming make it ideal for rockeries, hanging baskets, or as a groundcover in sunny areas.
Native range
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal blooming, though it tolerates some partial shade. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods. It prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soils. A common mistake to avoid is over-fertilizing, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowering.
How to save a dying Turnera pumilea
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing, or dropping leaves. No blooms. Soft or rotten stems.
- First aid
- Check drainage and moisture. Remove damaged parts. Move to partial shade if intense sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot, or severe, prolonged drought, especially in pots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted or dry. Act quickly.