Touchardia latifolia Plant Care

Touchardia latifolia (Touchardia latifolia) belongs to the Urticaceae family within the Touchardia genus. Touchardia latifolia is native to the Hawaiian Islands.

Touchardia latifolia displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Touchardia latifolia produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Touchardia latifolia every 5–7 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.

Touchardia latifolia thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Touchardia latifolia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Touchardia latifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Touchardia latifolia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Touchardia latifolia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Touchardia latifolia 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 filtered sunlight or partial shade and well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Touchardia latifolia is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Touchardia latifolia 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 Touchardia latifolia 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.

Touchardia latifolia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Touchardia latifolia can be propagated through stem cuttings, division.

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Touchardia latifolia 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.

Touchardia latifolia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Touchardia latifolia is native to the Hawaiian Islands. In cooler regions, grow Touchardia latifolia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.