Pentas

The genus contains about 30 species of herbaceous perennials and semi-shrubs. In the rooms most often bred Pentas lanceolata (Pentas lanceolata) - an evergreen semi-shrub with broad-lanceolate pubescent leaves 5-7 cm long. Flowers are collected at the ends of the shoots in umbrella-shaped convex inflorescences with a diameter of 5-10 cm. Corolla is tubular, with a five-membered stellate bend. Flowering can be at any time of the year, but most often the plant blooms in winter. There are numerous varieties characterized by white, red, pink and even purple and purple flowers. Currently, a series of varieties 'New Look' is very popular, characterized by large inflorescences and a long flowering period. It is worth noting that pentas does not have a clearly defined regularity of flowering, one wave of flowering replaces another, and therefore, with good care, the flowers will open almost all year.

The genus contains about 30 species of herbaceous perennials and semi-shrubs. In the rooms most often bred Pentas lanceolata (Pentas lanceolata) - an evergreen semi-shrub with broad-lanceolate pubescent leaves 5-7 cm long. Flowers are collected at the ends of the shoots in umbrella-shaped convex inflorescences with a diameter of 5-10 cm. Corolla is tubular, with a five-membered stellate bend. Flowering can be at any time of the year, but most often the plant blooms in winter.

There are numerous varieties characterized by white, red, pink and even purple and purple flowers. Currently, a series of varieties 'New Look' is very popular, characterized by large inflorescences and a long flowering period. It is worth noting that pentas does not have a clearly defined regularity of flowering, one wave of flowering replaces another, and therefore, with good care, the flowers will open almost all year.

Cultivation

Pentas is used as a potted flowering plant for rooms and glazed balconies. On warm days, it can be taken out into the air. It is advised to plant several plants of different varieties in one container at once, you will get a colorful "bouquet". Commercially available plants are often obtained using growth regulators that give them a dwarf shape. Over time, the effect of previously used drugs decreases and the plants stretch out. In this case, the shoots should be pinched, do not let the pentas grow above 45-50 cm. During flowering and active growth, you need to make regular top dressing complex fertilizers.

Location

Pentas prefers a sunny place and feels best on the windowsills of the southern windows, but with bright sun, light shading is necessary. Plants respond well to airing.

Temperature

In winter, the temperature is moderate (16-18 °C), but not lower than 12 °C.

Watering

They are watered abundantly in summer and moderately in winter. If the plant is kept in a cool room in winter, watering is reduced. In summer, it is advisable to regularly spray the leaves with water. With insufficient watering, the lower leaves fall off, exposing the bases of the shoots.

Transplant

Every year in spring.

Care

Pruning and pinching after flowering can preserve the compact shape of the bush. After 2-3 years, it is advisable to replace aging plants with young ones.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds and stem cuttings in spring. They are rooted in the sand under a glass shelter. It is advisable to use drugs that stimulate root formation. Seed progeny are prone to splitting: when sowing, you can get plants with different colors of flowers.

Acquisition

Pentas-the plant is quite rare and is not found in all stores, although it deserves more fame. If you are still lucky enough to find it, pay attention to the leaves (they should be elastic, without signs of disease or insect damage). If you buy a plant in a non-flowering state, find out what color the flowers should be in this variety.