Amapa Turnera (Turnera amapaensis)

Image: AI generated

Amapa Turnera Plant Care

Turnera amapaensis R.S.Cowan

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Turnera amapaensis is a striking plant known for its vibrant yellow flowers that contrast beautifully against its dark green leaves. This tropical plant originates from the Amazon rainforest and is cherished by plant enthusiasts for its unique appearance and easy care requirements.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Amapa Turnera?

Plant Amapa Turnera in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Amapa Turnera?

Amapa Turnera (Turnera amapaensis) belongs to the Passifloraceae family within the Turnera genus. Amapa Turnera is native to Brazil, French Guiana.

Amapa Turnera displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Amapa Turnera produces small, colorful, cup-shaped flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Amapa Turnera?

Water a young or newly planted Amapa Turnera 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Amapa Turnera Need?

Amapa Turnera thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Amapa Turnera Prefer?

Turnera amapaensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Amapa Turnera prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Amapa Turnera?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Amapa Turnera?

Feed Amapa Turnera 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Amapa Turnera?

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

Amapa Turnera 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Amapa Turnera?

Amapa Turnera can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 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.

How Do You Prune a Amapa Turnera?

Prune Amapa Turnera 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.

How Do You Care for a Amapa Turnera in Winter?

Amapa Turnera 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.

How Do You Propagate a Amapa Turnera?

Amapa Turnera can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to damiana plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Amapa Turnera Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Amapa Turnera, 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 Amapa Turnera?

Amapa Turnera 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 Amapa Turnera Need?

Amapa Turnera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Amapa Turnera is native to Brazil, French Guiana. In cooler regions, grow Amapa Turnera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Amapa Turnera 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 Turnera genus — compare its care with other Turnera species on PlantoScan.

Turnera is part of the Passifloraceae plant family — browse all Passifloraceae genera and species.

Amapa Turnera thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Turnera Species

Other Turnera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Turnera amapaensis R.S.Cowan, family Passifloraceae (first published in Brittonia 8: 240 (1957)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Amapa Turnera, 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: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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