Star of Egypt is a rarely used name for a houseplant that is usually kept as an annual. The flower is not hardy and must be overwintered frost-free. This effort is not always worth it.
Is the Star of Egypt hardy?
The Star of Egypt is a tropical houseplant and is not hardy. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 8 degrees Celsius and must therefore be kept frost-free over the winter. Ideal temperatures for wintering are between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.
Star of Egypt is not hardy
As a plant that comes from tropical regions, the star of Egypt is not hardy and must therefore not be exposed to temperatures that are too low.
The flower is usually only grown as an annual because it is not worth overwintering. If you want to try to grow a Star of Egypt as a perennial, it will only work if you provide ideal conditions after flowering.
Keep a rest period after flowering
After flowering, the Star of Egypt needs a longer rest period if it is to bloom again the following year. Depending on the season, keep the plant a little cooler for about eight weeks. Only water enough to prevent the root ball from drying out completely. Do not fertilize during the dormant period.
How to properly winter or summer a star of Egypt
- Bright location
- not sunny
- 10 – 15 degrees
- water very little
- do not fertilize
Since the Star of Egypt is not hardy, you must place it in a place in winter where the temperature does not drop below eight degrees. Ideal wintering temperatures are between 10 and 15 degrees.
Make sure there is sufficient humidity during this time. If necessary, spray the leaves with water or set up open water bowls.
If the Star of Egypt is blooming, you must not spray the flowers with water.
Star of Egypt summering outside
The star of Egypt cannot tolerate the cold, but in summer it really appreciates an outdoor space. It then prefers a location that is airy and partially shaded. He doesn't like direct sunlight, especially at lunchtime.
If you care for a Penta indoors in summer, do not place it in a south-facing flower window, as the sunlight is too high here.
In summer the temperatures should be around 20 degrees.
Tip
The Star of Egypt is a houseplant native to tropical regions in Africa and Arabia. It blooms all year round, but is usually sold as a flowering plant in autumn.
