Water
Pentas lanceolata prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in containers.
Also known as Alien Star Destroyer · Basak · Egyptian Starcluster
Egyptian Star-cluster (Pentas lanceolata) is an attractive flowering shrub prized for its clusters of star-shaped, vibrantly colored blooms that attract pollinators.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering, but tolerates light shade.
Regular
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost; bring indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C.
Regular feeding during growing season
50% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks from spring to autumn.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Pentas lanceolata prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in containers.
Prune Pentas lanceolata to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back young plants to promote branching. After flowering, deadhead spent flower clusters to prevent seed formation and encourage reblooming.
Harder pruning can be done in late winter or early spring.
Propagate Pentas lanceolata from stem cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 7-10 cm long and rooted in a moist, well-draining potting mix.
Keep them in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light until established.
Repot Pentas lanceolata every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with good drainage holes.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with added perlite.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Egyptian Star-Cluster (Pentas lanceolata)
Where Egyptian Star-Cluster (Pentas lanceolata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Pentas |
| Species | Pentas lanceolata |
Similar in genus Pentas
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
