The name Pentas lanceolata might remind you of a Shakespearean character or two, but that’s not the case. Pentas lanceolata is a perennial plant native to the East Asian continent. It grows up to 1.5 meters tall with a narrow and erect stem. The leaves are lanceolate, with a pointed tip and a slightly recurved edge. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow. They are produced in clusters at the top of the facility.
Pentas lanceolata is best used fresh or dried as an herbal tea or tincture. It has been used medicinally for centuries. Its root has traditionally been used to relieve pain and inflammation in joints and muscles, while its leaves have been used as an anti-inflammatory for wounds and skin conditions. Modern science has found that Pentas lanceolata contains vitamins B1, B2, C and E, which are beneficial when taken internally for their antioxidant properties.
Pentas lanceolata is a perennial plant that produces multiple flowers from spring through fall. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide, depending on the variety.
It is a slow-growing perennial with large green leaves and white or pink flowers. The flowers are usually unscented but can have a mild sweet scent.
The flowers are white to pale blue, mostly with purple spots. The sepals are 5–6 mm long and 3–4 mm wide at their base. The petals are 4–6 mm long and 2–3 mm wide at their base.
Pentas lanceolata can be cultivated indoors or outdoors depending on the climate. The plant prefers partial to full shade and prefers moist soil. If you have access to a greenhouse or other indoor gardening area, this plant will thrive in it. If you live in a colder region, you can grow your plants indoors and bring them outside when they are larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
Pentas lanceolata should be watered once a week during the growing season, or less if using an organic potting mix. This fern can tolerate drought conditions, but it’s still best not to let it dry out completely. Also, avoid applying fertilizer directly to the leaves of Pentas lanceolata.