Water Turnsole Plant Care

Water Turnsole (Rotula aquatica) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Rotula genus. Water Turnsole is native to India. Water Turnsole is also known as Water Rotula.

Water Turnsole displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Water Turnsole produces small bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Water Turnsole every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Water Turnsole thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Rotula aquatica tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Water Turnsole prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Water Turnsole to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Water Turnsole every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Water Turnsole is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Water Turnsole can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Water Turnsole while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Water Turnsole is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Water Turnsole can be propagated through seeds, division of roots.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Water Turnsole is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Water Turnsole grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Water Turnsole is native to India. In cooler regions, grow Water Turnsole as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.