What ph is best for Pentas(perennial) growing in cinderblock planter troughs in south FL? They are under a porte cochere and get litte sun. Is there a better perennial flower for a shaded area?
The optimal pH range is 5.5 to 6.5. These are best suited for sunny areas but will still grow in shade. This article will help with the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pentas/growing-penta-plants.htm
This article will give you alternatives that will do well in your area: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-9-10-11/zone-9-shade-plants.htm
Every plant is brown around the edges.
Leaf scorch can be attributed to underwatering or overwatering. If you had excessive rains, it may not have drained well. I see the plants are surrounded by concrete. Hopefully the soil is drying out and the plants' roots are not damaged. Here is more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/papery-looking-leaves.htm
I live in south cental Florida. Thank you. I do not have the ability to send a picture.
Unfortunately without photos and a detailed description of the problem I will not be able to be of much help.
In the meantime I can offer an article that will give you information in their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pentas/growing-penta-plants.htm
I live in southwest Florida and planted several pentas last March. Most really took off and did very well but some started dying off. Leaves start wilting and turning brown. I really can't tell if it's a watering problem or something else. I am attaching a photo below. I have tried trimming the dead and adjusting the irrigation system. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
This does appear to be a fungal/bacterial infection. This happens when the soil is not allowed to dry out some between watering, or it remains overwatered for extended periods.
From here, you will need a fungicide to treat this. This article will help you with fungicide use: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
This article will help you to care for Pentas: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pentas/growing-penta-plants.htm
My pentas is dying. Any chances that it will survive?
It looks like it is in heavy, saturated soil. Try repotting it in a lightweight soil like a commercial potting mix. Trim off the dead foliage.
They need sun and a well-draining soil. Let the soil start to dry between waterings.
It might come back if it is quickly moved into the fresh soil. Good luck!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pentas/growing-penta-plants.htm
I live in south Florida, lots of buds on plant but it looks straggly, when should I cut it back?
You can cut pentas back anytime to promote bushiness and remove some scraggly stems/leaves. Yellowing is usually due to over or under watering. If you hate to cut off buds/flowers like I do, you can prune a few now and a few later.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pentas/pruning-pentas-plants.htm
The plants are 3 years old and healthy. Would like to separate and replant with space in-between It's July in Melbourne Florida. Is this ok? TY
No. Only do this when the weather is mild. This can be Spring or Autumn. Doing so now will kill the plant due to heat, or overwatering in compensation for heat.
Here are some articles that will help you to know what care these plants require: