Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Tornabenea insularis Plant Care
Tornabenea insularis (Parl.) Parl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature is its striking, deeply lobed leaves that resemble delicate lace. Originating from the Canary Islands, Tornabenea insularis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare beauty and exotic origin, making it a prized addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full sun
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Tornabenea insularis?
Water Tornabenea insularis every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tornabenea insularis Native To?
What Is the Tornabenea insularis?
Tornabenea insularis (Tornabenea insularis) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Tornabenea genus. Tornabenea insularis is native to Cape Verde.
Tornabenea insularis displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Tornabenea insularis produces small clusters of white or pink flowers in umbrella-shaped inflorescences.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tornabenea insularis?
Tornabenea insularis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tornabenea insularis Need?
Tornabenea insularis thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tornabenea insularis Prefer?
Tornabenea insularis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Tornabenea insularis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tornabenea insularis?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Tornabenea insularis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tornabenea insularis?
Feed Tornabenea insularis every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tornabenea insularis?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tornabenea insularis?
Tornabenea insularis can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.
Is the Tornabenea insularis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tornabenea insularis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tornabenea insularis?
Tornabenea insularis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tornabenea insularis Need?
Tornabenea insularis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Tornabenea insularis is native to Cape Verde. In cooler regions, grow Tornabenea insularis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Tornabenea insularis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tornabenea genus (family Apiaceae) — search all Tornabenea species in the plant lookup.
Tornabenea insularis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tornabenea insularis (Parl.) Parl., family Apiaceae (first published in Hooker's J. Bot. Kew Gard. Misc. 2: 370. 1850) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tornabenea insularis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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