Pentas, a common potted ornamental plant, can bloom for up to six months with proper care. To successfully cultivate pentas, it's essential to master the propagation methods. Below, we'll explore the propagation methods of pentas:
Seed Propagation
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Timing: Pentas seeds can be sown in spring or autumn when temperatures range from 23-26°C. They typically germinate within 10 to 14 days.
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Seed Treatment: Choose intact and fresh seeds. Soaking the seeds for 12 to 24 hours before sowing can improve their germination rate.
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Soil: Use sterile peat soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Ensure the soil is fertile before sowing and consider fertilizing if necessary.
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Sowing: Use the dibble method. Loosen and level the soil, then create small holes at regular intervals to sow the seeds. Only place one seed per hole and cover with 1 to 2 cm of soil. Adjust the total number of seeds based on the pot size.
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Care: After sowing, water the seeds using a spray bottle to maintain soil and air humidity. Keep the relative air humidity at 100% until seedlings emerge, then gradually reduce it to 50% during the growth period. Seedlings can be transplanted or planted after 28 to 60 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
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Soil: Use slightly acidic soil for cuttings to prevent leaf scorching. Avoid alkaline soil.
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Timing: Cuttings can be taken in spring, summer, or autumn.
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Method: Select healthy stems without flowers, about 6 cm long with three or four nodes. Insert the cuttings into pre-made holes in the soil, water them, and place them in a location with scattered light and ventilation. Rooting typically occurs within 28 to 35 days.
These are the propagation methods of pentas. The larger the pot for cultivating pentas, the longer it will take for successful cultivation. For example, increasing the pot size by 15 cm may delay success by 10 to 20 days.
