Potentilla erecta aka Tormentil
Taxonomy ID: 8620
Common names
Tormentil, Cinquefoil, Shepherd's Knot, Erect CinquefoilMore information about Tormentil
How difficult is it to take care of Tormentil
Tormentil is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the region of origin of Tormentil
Tormentil’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, W. Asia, Siberia.
What are the water needs for Tormentil
Tormentil should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Tormentil
Tormentil loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Tormentil
To ensure optimal growth, the Tormentil prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize Tormentil
The Tormentil should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Tormentil toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
