Toru Plant Care

Toru (Toronia toru) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Toronia genus. Toru is native to New Zealand.

Toru displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Toru produces showy clusters of small, colorful flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Toru every 7–10 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.

Toru thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Toronia toru tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Toru prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Toru to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Toru 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Toru is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 10b.

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.

Toru can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Toru 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.

Toru is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Toru can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.

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

Toru is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Toru grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Toru is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Toru as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.