Pentace microlepidota Plant Care
Pentace microlepidota Kosterm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pentace microlepidota is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is a tree endemic to Peninsular Malaysia.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Pentace microlepidota?
Plant Pentace microlepidota in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Pentace microlepidota Native To?
What Is the Pentace microlepidota?
Pentace microlepidota (Pentace microlepidota) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Pentace genus. Pentace microlepidota is native to Peninsular Malaysia.
Pentace microlepidota displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Pentace microlepidota produces large, showy blooms in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pentace microlepidota?
Water a young or newly planted Pentace microlepidota every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Pentace microlepidota Need?
Pentace microlepidota thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pentace microlepidota Prefer?
Pentace microlepidota tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Pentace microlepidota prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pentace microlepidota?
Loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Pentace microlepidota to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pentace microlepidota?
Feed Pentace microlepidota every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Pentace microlepidota?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Pentace microlepidota is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Pentace microlepidota?
Pentace microlepidota can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Pentace microlepidota?
Prune Pentace microlepidota while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Pentace microlepidota in Winter?
Pentace microlepidota is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Pentace microlepidota?
Pentace microlepidota can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to malayan basswood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pentace microlepidota Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pentace microlepidota, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Pentace microlepidota?
Pentace microlepidota is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Pentace microlepidota Need?
Pentace microlepidota grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Pentace microlepidota is native to Peninsular Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Pentace microlepidota as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Pentace microlepidota 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 Pentace genus — compare its care with other Pentace species on PlantoScan.
Pentace is part of the Malvaceae plant family — browse all Malvaceae genera and species.
Pentace microlepidota thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pentace Species
Other Pentace species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pentace microlepidota Kosterm., family Malvaceae (first published in Reinwardtia 5: 236 (1960)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pentace microlepidota, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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.
