It is called five-figure shrub, star flower, star of Egypt or simply pentas: the Pentas lanceolata. We have put together the most important information and care tips for the popular houseplant for you.
In a nutshell
- Houseplant with star-shaped flowers in red, white or pink
- blooms in winter
- 30 different types
- easy to care for, suitable for beginners
- cultivable for several years
Characteristics
The star flower belongs to the blush family (Rubiaceae) and originally comes from the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. What else you should know about the plant is briefly summarized in our profile.
| growth habit | shrubby, bushy |
| growth height | 20 to 50 centimeters |
| growth width | 20 to 50 centimeters |
| blossom | many star-shaped individual flowers on an umbel |
| flower color | red, pink, white, violet |
| heyday | September to January |
| leaves | green or white-green patterned, glossy, elongated, pointed |
| location | bright, sunny to semi-shady |
| floor | loamy, slightly sandy, rich in humus |
| humidity | moderately moist |
| use | houseplant |
Notice: Not only the Pentas lanceolata is called a star flower. The bulb flower Ipheon also bears this nickname. So pay attention to the botanical name.
care tips
Choose a bright location
Pentas lanceolata, the evergreen houseplant with the many small star-shaped flowers, is also suitable for beginners. Choose a bright, sunny location, because the plant, which comes from Africa, is used to the sun. The flowers suffer in dark places. If necessary, help with artificial lighting.
Don't overheat
The five-figure shrub develops well at normal room temperature. It should be a little cooler rather than too warm. However, the temperature must not fall below 10 degrees Celsius.
Avoid waterlogging
Starflowers do not require much moisture. Water only when the surface is dry again. The houseplant cannot tolerate waterlogging. With moderate watering and good drainage you protect the plant. Use low-lime water. The star flower tolerates rainwater best.
Adjust humidity
The native land of the star flower is the tropical regions of Africa. With the prevailing high humidity there, it can unfold its full splendor. In our latitudes, it is cultivated in apartments with low humidity. In winter, the dry heating air makes things difficult for you. Spray the plant regularly with low-lime water.
Fertilize regularly
We recommend supplying the star flower with ordinary houseplant fertilizer every fourteen days during the flowering period. Stop feeding for eight weeks after flowering.
Repot and prune annually
With good care, Pentas lanceolata can be cultivated for several years. To do this, repot the houseplant in fresh houseplant soil before the start of the growing season in spring. Remove dry parts of the plant and cut back the shoots slightly. In this way you can achieve a beautiful growth habit.
Propagate with cuttings
Use the shoot tips that result from pruning to gain new plants. Cut shoots about 10 centimeters long and put them in potting soil. Then water the cutting well, put it in a warm place and put a plastic hood over it. The resulting higher humidity accelerates the rooting process.
Protect from pests with glue boards
Starflowers are occasionally attacked by whitefly. Glue boards, which are put into the flower pot, protect against the pests.
Tip: The combination of star flowers in different colors in an antique vessel has a very decorative effect. In this way you can breathe new life into old bowls, pots or jugs.
frequently asked Questions
Why is the star flower called a five-figure shrub?The genus name Pentas comes from the Greek and stands for the number five. Each star flower therefore has five petals.
Can you also cultivate Pentas lanceolata outdoors?The star flower comes from the tropical areas of Africa. There it grows into a bushy, compact shrub and reaches a height of up to one meter. In our latitudes it is therefore usually too cold for outdoor cultivation. The flowering period of the Pentas begins in September, when the garden is dormant for the winter. It is therefore better to enjoy the beautiful houseplant with the dense foliage and the many starry flowers in the apartment.
What can be the reason if the leaves of the Pentas turn yellow?The most common cause of limp, yellow leaves is waterlogging. Moderate watering is the most important care instruction! Protect the plant with a thick drainage layer of clay balls. Plant them in well drained soil and only water when the top layer of soil is dry. Therefore, reduce watering for eight weeks after flowering.