Growing Pentas From Cuttings

Wait until the spring through early fall months to take a cutting from pentas, since this is when they are actively growing and the cutting has the best chance of rooting.

Locate a mature penta plant that has no visible disease and appears to be healthy and vigorous. Cut off one of the stems with hand pruners approximately 4 to 6 inches from the tip. Pull off all of the leaves from the lower 2 to 2 1/2 inches of the stem and discard them. Also pull off any flowers on the top of the cutting.

Fill a small bucket or large bowl with 2 cups of sterile potting soil and 2 cups of peat moss. Mix the two together well using a spoon or your hands.

Pour the material into a 4- to 5-inch pot or a large plastic cup. Smooth the surface out evenly and then poke a hole in the center of the soil that is at least 2 inches deep.

Open a bottle of root hormone compound and pour out 1 to 2 tsp. into a small cup. Insert the cut end of the penta stem into the compound, covering the bottom inch. Tap the cutting on the side of the cup to remove the excess compound.

Insert the powdered end of the cutting into the hole in the soil and press the soil up around the penta cutting to hold it up.

Water the soil until it is damp all the way to the bottom. Place a clear plastic bag over the penta cutting and tape it to the pot or cup to prevent moisture loss.

Place the cutting in a brightly lit location until you see new leaves or flowers form.