Egyptian Starcluster Care

This thirsty plant likes to be grown in continually moist soil. It is considered to be moderately drought tolerant, so don’t worry about it going through occasional bouts of drought, for example, if you go away on vacation and aren’t around to water your plants. However, try not to make a habit of leaving this plant without water; it will be much healthier if you maintain a good level of moisture in its soil.

Pruning of Pentas plants is not essential, but pinching off some of the stems will help to encourage bushier growth. You can do this at the end of fall, as well as any shaping of the plant. Dead or damaged stems can be removed at any time of the year, and you can deadhead spent blooms as you notice them to encourage new flowers.

Fertilize in spring with a slow release granular fertilizer.

The Pentas plant 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 appreciate a mildly acidic soil pH in the range of 6.0. Amending the soil with compost or leaf mold can increase the acidity of your soil if it’s on the alkaline side.

This plant is very versatile and can be grown as a perennial in warm climates or as an annual outdoors in areas which experience cold winters. When grown as an annual they will flourish in summer and die back after the first frost, bouncing back to life in spring providing their roots haven’t gotten too cold over winter.

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