Sowing methods, flower language, and effects of Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)

Pentas, a perennial herbaceous flowering plant of the Rubiaceae family, so how do you sow Pentas? What is its flower language? What are its effects and functions? According to information, Pentas prefers a warm and hot environment with ample sunlight; during the growing period, the night temperature should be kept above 17℃—18℃, and the day temperature should be kept above 22℃—24℃.

I. How do you sow Pentas?

1. Preparation before sowing Pentas

Because Pentas seeds are relatively small, prepare a plug tray as the seedling-raising facility.

The substrate generally uses humus-rich, well-drained, sterile soil with a clay content of 10%—20%. Some coconut fiber, perlite, and other materials can be appropriately added. The substrate also needs iron chelate and trace nutrient elements, with a pH value of 6.5 to 6.8 and an EC value of 0.75ms/cm.

2. Steps for sowing Pentas

Sow the seeds by dibbling them into plug trays or by drilling them in seedling trays, sowing one seed per cell. The size of the planting hole should preferably be 1.5—2 cm.

After sowing, germination occurs in about 10—14 days. Keep the growing temperature at 23℃—26℃ and maintain the relative humidity in the air at 100% until the leaves emerge.

During germination, water sufficiently to accelerate the dissolution of the outer layer of the pink flowers and promote germination.

7—9 weeks after sowing, Pentas can be transplanted into pots. The pot diameter should preferably be 10—15 cm. Select sterile peat soil that contains a little fertilizer and drains well as the growing substrate, with a pH value preferably of 6.5-6.8.

3. Precautions for sowing Pentas

Before sowing, apply one to two kilograms each of completely balanced fertilizer and slow-release fertilizer per cubic meter in the substrate to keep the soil fertile and provide sufficient nutrients for the seeds.

During the plug seedling growth stage, the relative humidity should be reduced to 50% to prevent leaf diseases.

During germination, if the light intensity is kept stable at 1000 lux, the new shoots will grow more uniformly and with higher quality. After germination, maintain the light intensity at 10000—25000 lux. As the seedlings grow, the light intensity must be increased to 50000 lux, and the temperature should be controlled.

After germination, let the seedlings receive sunlight as soon as possible to avoid leggy growth and promote rapid plant growth.

II. What is the flower language?

The birthday flower of people born on December 15 is Pentas.

The flower language is creation.

For artists, Pentas is a magical plant. Its resin can be refined into turpentine and rosin, and rosin can be used to apply to violin strings, while turpentine can be used as a solvent for oil painting tools. These are all reasons why artists love Pentas, so the flower language of Pentas is: creation.

Anyone born under the blessing of this flower has an artistic sense. Even in love, they enjoy the process and care relatively little about the result, and may live a life with many romances.

III. What effects and functions does it have?

1. Ornamental value of Pentas

The flower colors of Pentas are very varied, including white, pink, peach red, and many other colors. In addition, the flowering period of Pentas lasts as long as six months. It is a very beautiful and lovely ornamental flowering plant, suitable for cultivation in various large plant scenic areas. Pentas is relatively common in many provinces in China, and in scenic areas across the country, it is also a very attractive plant landscape.

Pentas can also be made into potted plants and placed indoors, adding a beautiful and moving color to the indoor environment. It can also bring a rich natural atmosphere indoors and be pleasing to the eye. Pentas is suitable for placement on balconies or windowsills. It can not only beautify the environment but also help purify the air. During respiration, it can decompose and absorb various harmful substances contained in the air. Through this layer of filtration, people can breathe fresher and purer air.

2. Economic value of Pentas

In addition to the above effects, Pentas also has extremely high economic value. Pentas can be bred into different series. “Madame Butterfly” is one of the very precious varieties. This variety sells at a very high price on the flower market, so flower growers can create very high economic income by cultivating Pentas.