Grow & Care for Pentas Flowers (Pentas Lanceolata)

When the Pentas Flowers (Pentas Lanceolata) is in full bloom, it is indeed like the stars in the sky. Pentas Flowers has a long flowering period, from March to October. If it is in the south, it can even bloom until spring. It is also very suitable for planting at home. Today, Let’s learn how to grow and care for Pentas flowers.

How to Care for Pentas Flowers

Pentas Flowers Lighting Requirements

The Pentas Flowers (Pentas Lanceolata) needs plenty of sunlight to produce its striking flowers. It will thrive in a position of full sun but can also tolerate partial shade in the afternoon as long as it receives a good three to six hours of direct sun each day. If the plant does not get enough sun, you will notice it by the lack of flowers, and its leggy appearance. If kept as a houseplant, situate the plant in a bright window where its light criteria can be met.

Pentas Flowers Soil Care

Pentas flower plants need a lot of compost in their soil. This Pentas Flowers likes acidic soil. The composition of soil for this particular plant is 40% organic compost, 40% sand, and 20% garden soil. Well-drained soil is a must for all the plant except for the plants that like wet soil. It goes without saying, if the roots are surrounded by too much water it will die. A lot of watering will lead to rotten roots which is the case with most of the plants.

Pentas Flowers Watering

If you have kept your Pentas Flowers under direct sun, then you can water it regularly. If you are growing it in cold weather, then water it less frequently. Special care is required in the rainy season as it might rot due to heavy rain. If you are living in an area where it rains continuously for several days, then you must keep your Pentas Flowers under shade.

Pentas Flowers Temperature & Humidity Care

With their tropical origin, Pentas Flowers love heat and humidity and thrive in warm climates.

Pentas Flowers Fertilizer

Fertilize pentas flower once a month with a balanced flower fertilizer during periods of active growth. Timed release fertilizers are ideal, and will nourish plants throughout the growing season. A greater phosphorus content will encourage blossom formation, while nitrogen fosters leafy growth.

Pentas Flowers Pruning

Because pentas flowers (Pentas Lanceolata) are subshrubs, the bottom section of the plant’s stems become woody while new growth remains tender and green. When allowed to grow unfettered the stems will grow tall and the tops will flop over, so the plants benefit from being pruned on a regular basis. Though it can feel like a waste to cut off branches that are flowering, doing so will result in more blooms in a few weeks and will keep the shrub looking full. Dead Pentas Flowers heads should also be snipped off.
By contrast to how they are managed during the growing season, perennial Pentas Flowers should not be cut back during the cold weather months when its blooms slow down or stop. The best time to give the plant a hard pruning is in the early spring when new leaves are emerging.

Pentas Flowers Pests & Diseases Care

Pentas Flowers experience few pest problems. Control light infestations of aphids by spraying plants with a quick spritz from a pressurized hose.
Control fungus gnats and whiteflies with an insecticidal soap spray or organic all-natural Neem oil insecticide.
During hot summers spider mites can become an issue.
A fungicide spray containing copper will help control Botrytis, mildew and leaf spots. Limit the spread of the plant disease by removing the affected leaves.

How to Propagate Pentas Flowers

Grow Pentas Flowers from Seeds

Grow Pentas Flowers from Stem Cuttings

Varieties of Pentas Flowers

'Butterfly Light Lavender' Pentas

Pentas 'Butterfly Light Lavender' bears lavender-pink flower heads on compact 14-inch-tall plants.

'Graffiti Bright Red' Pentas

Pentas 'Graffiti Bright Red' bears large clusters of rich-red flowers on dwarf 12-inch-tall plants.

'Graffiti Lipstick' Pentas

Pentas 'Graffiti Lipstick' is adorned by clusters of bright rosy-pink flowers on compact 12-inch-tall plants.

'Graffiti Pink' Pentas

Pentas 'Graffiti Pink' bears big heads of pink flowers on 12-inch-tall plants.

'Graffiti Red Lace' Pentas

Pentas 'Graffiti Red Lace' bears large heads of red flowers with white centers on 1-foot-tall plants.

'Graffiti White' Pentas

Pentas 'Graffiti White' bears large flower heads of pure-white blooms on 12-inch-tall plants.

Pentas Flowers Care FAQ

Can Pentas Flower Plants Grow Indoors?

Pentas flowers (Pentas Lanceolata) love bright light and can be overwintered in containers indoors as long as the soil has good drainage and they are kept in a warm sunny room or greenhouse in direct sun.

Are Pentas Flower Plants Poisonous?

Pentas flowers are not only nontoxic, in Africa they have long been known for their medicinal properties. Different parts of the plant are used for rashes, skin diseases, pimples, and to treat tapeworm, malaria, and a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. Chemical analysis of compounds found in its leaves have been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and healing properties.