Where winters are not too severe, pentas is a perennial. In other areas, treat it as an annual or container plant that can be overwintered in a greenhouse or other protected area. Pentas likes well-worked, neutral, moderately fertile soil that retains moisture well. It tolerates some shade, but blooms better and is generally more robust in sun. Propagation of non-protected varieties is easy by stem cuttings in spring or summer.
Patented varieties are available as vegetative cuttings and seed from numerous suppliers.
6-inch container, seven to 10 weeks for a finished gallon. Pinch at four weeks to encourage fullness. A plant growth regulator such as Cycocel may be used if necessary. Night temperatures should be about 65F, 80F during days. Temperatures below 50F inhibit flower development.