Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Andean Pentacalia Plant Care
Pentacalia andicola (Turcz.) Cuatrec.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's large, fuzzy leaves with prominent silver markings make it a standout in any collection. Originating from the Andes mountains, Pentacalia andicola thrives in cooler temperatures and high altitudes, making it a sought-after addition for plant collectors who appreciate unique foliage and rare mountain species.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Andean Pentacalia?
Water Andean Pentacalia every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Andean Pentacalia?
Andean Pentacalia (Pentacalia andicola) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Pentacalia genus. Andean Pentacalia is native to Andes Mountains. Andean Pentacalia is also known as Andean Daisy.
Andean Pentacalia displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Andean Pentacalia produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Andean Pentacalia?
Pentacalia andicola requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Andean Pentacalia Need?
Andean Pentacalia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Andean Pentacalia Prefer?
Pentacalia andicola grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Andean Pentacalia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Andean Pentacalia?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Andean Pentacalia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Andean Pentacalia?
Feed Andean Pentacalia every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Andean Pentacalia?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Andean Pentacalia?
Andean Pentacalia can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to andre's pentacalia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Andean Pentacalia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Andean Pentacalia?
Andean Pentacalia is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Andean Pentacalia Need?
Andean Pentacalia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Andean Pentacalia is native to Andes Mountains. In cooler regions, grow Andean Pentacalia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Andean Pentacalia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pentacalia genus — compare its care with other Pentacalia species on PlantoScan.
Pentacalia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Andean Pentacalia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pentacalia Species
Other Pentacalia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pentacalia andicola (Turcz.) Cuatrec., family Asteraceae (first published in Phytologia 49(3): 252. 1981) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Andean Pentacalia is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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