Large Pentameris Plant Care
Pentameris ampla (Nees) Galley & H.P.Linder
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pentameris ampla is a striking plant known for its large, broad leaves that are a vibrant shade of green. Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique foliage and impressive size, making it a standout in any indoor jungle.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Large Pentameris?
Water Large Pentameris every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Large Pentameris?
Large Pentameris (Pentameris ampla) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Pentameris genus. Large Pentameris is native to Central America, South America. Large Pentameris is also known as Broadleaf Pentameris.
Large Pentameris displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Large Pentameris produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Large Pentameris?
Pentameris ampla requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Large Pentameris Need?
Large Pentameris thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Large Pentameris Prefer?
Pentameris ampla grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Large Pentameris prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Large Pentameris?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Large Pentameris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Large Pentameris?
Feed Large Pentameris 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 Large Pentameris?
Repot every 2-3 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 Large Pentameris?
Large Pentameris can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to false calla lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Large Pentameris Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Large Pentameris, 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 Large Pentameris?
Large Pentameris is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. 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 Large Pentameris Need?
Large Pentameris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Large Pentameris is native to Central America, South America. In cooler regions, grow Large Pentameris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Large Pentameris 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 Pentameris genus — compare its care with other Pentameris species on PlantoScan.
Pentameris is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Large Pentameris thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pentameris Species
Other Pentameris species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pentameris ampla (Nees) Galley & H.P.Linder, family Poaceae (first published in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 97: 330 (2010)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Large Pentameris, 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 13a, 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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