Cultivation methods and precautions of Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum

Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum is a perennial herb. Because of its long flowering period, it has high ornamental value. Its flowers are diverse, red, white, and pink. Flowers are very small, but very fresh and beautiful. Let's take a look at the reproduction method of Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum~

Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum picture

Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum breeding method (basic knowledge):

Best propapating time: The Pentas flowers sowing can be done in summer.

Best growing soil: pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum is suitable for cultivation in sandy soil rich in organic matter, and good drainage is required.

Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum growth humidity requirements: keep the relative humidity in the air at 100 {bf} until the cotyledons grow out, and avoid too wet nursery medium. During the growth stage of plug seedlings, it is advisable to lower the relative humidity to 50{bf} to prevent leaf diseases.

Optimum growth temperature: pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum grows at a suitable temperature of 25～30℃. During the growth period, keep the night temperature above 17-18℃ and daily temperature above 22-24℃.

Optimal growth light: Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum likes a sunny cultivation environment, and its flowering is directly related to the amount of light absorbed. If it does not reach the light level Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum needs, Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum will not bloom or grow.

Precautions for breeding Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum:

Apply fertilizer:

Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum should be properly fertilized before potting to make the plants grow strong and reduce the impact of potting on the plants. Start to apply 800-1000 times of "Chlorophyll" one week after planting, and water it every 7-10 days. When the plant enters the mid-growth period (that is, the plant height is 8-10 cm), the 800-1000 times solution of "flowering essence" can be applied once a week to promote the differentiation and growth of flower buds.

Watering points:

Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum is more drought tolerant, but not tolerant to water and humidity. During the growth period, excessive watering should not be used, and water accumulation in the cultivation medium should be avoided to avoid root rot. The leaves are sensitive to cold water, so use warm water (about 18°C) for irrigation as much as possible. The substrate is rather dry than wet. If it is too wet and concentrated with high-concentration fertilizers, the stems will grow. In addition, a dry substrate can promote flower growth. After flowering in autumn and winter, there will be about 1 month of dormancy. At this time, water should be controlled and the pot soil should be slightly moist.

Pruning essentials:

During the growth period of Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum, pay attention to pruning to make the crown of the plant symmetrical; for the old plant more than three years old, the cutting method should be used to update it.

Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum breeding points:

Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum is often used to cultivate plug seedlings for sowing due to the small seeds in the nursery stage. Commonly used medium for sowing is a medium rich in humus, well-drained, and sterile, with a pH value of 6.5-6.8 and an EC value of 0.75 ms/cm. Sow on plugs, sown 1 seed per hole. The appropriate hole size is 1.5-2 cm. Germination begins about 10-14 days after sowing. The suitable temperature is 23-26℃. The seeds need light to germinate and cannot be covered. During the germination period, sufficient watering is required to accelerate the dissolution of the outer layer of the pink flowers and promote germination.

Pest control:

The main pests and diseases of Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum are gray spot, red spider, gray mold, whitefly and aphids. Prevention methods include keeping the cultivation site clean, using sterile soil, cultivation media, and pots.

Whitefly

Symptoms: Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum plant's young leaves turn green and yellow, and eventually the whole plant wilts and wither.

Prevention method

(1) Use "insect nets" to block the intrusion of external pests.

(2) Thoroughly kill the Pentas lanceolata (Forsk.) K. Schum cultivation site before cultivation to remove weeds.

(3) 2.5 {bf} Kung Fu 2500-3000 times liquid or 20 {bf} Miesauli 2500 times liquid to spray the whole plant.

Botrytis

Mostly due to the wet season or excessive watering. At the beginning of the stem and leaf margins, water-stained brown spots are formed, which gradually expand to cause the branches and leaves to rot. When the air humidity is high, gray molds often appear on the diseased part.

Prevention method

(1) Keep the cultivation medium in a semi-dry state, do not over water, and strengthen the ventilation of the cultivation place.

(2) Thorough disinfection of cultivation media.

(3) Before cultivation, the site shall be disinfected with chlorothalonil smoke agent at a dose of 200 g/mu. After cultivation, it shall be continued, once every 10 days.

(4) Spray the whole plant with 50{bf} 1500 times solution of Proteoside or spray the whole plant with 2000 times solution of Retox.