If you haven't heard the name agapates, you probably at least think of Chinese lanterns.
Agapates is a very beautiful bushy plant with delicate flowers resembling hanging lanterns exactly of the Chinese type. Hence the nickname of this flower.
A member of the Ericaceae family, Agapates has long, flexible and drooping branches. The flowers are located along the branches. It reaches about a meter and a half in height. Its homeland is Asia.
The flowers are mostly colored red, but also occur in orange, white and mixed colors. The veins of the flowers are characteristic, creating the beautiful color resembling a Chinese lantern.
Light
Agapates needs abundant light. Place it in a direct sunlight location that gives light to the plant as much as possible during the day.
Temperature
The optimal temperature for agapates is between 12-15 and 25 degrees.
Watering
The plant has a kind of reservoir in which water reserves accumulate. Therefore, watering should not be abundant, but moderate to scarce.
In summer and autumn, it is necessary to spray more abundantly with water at room temperature. If you do this regularly you may not need to water every day, it's even better to skip another day.
In winter, reduce watering to an absolute minimum.
Soil
The soil should be more acidic. It is important that it is air-permeable and well-drained. Don't tamp the dirt, it's even okay to dig it up once in a while.
Fertilization
Fertilizing is good to be done every week with mineral fertilizers.
Propagation
Propagation is by cuttings. They root straight into the soil. The soil substrate is the same as for adult plants. Flowering starts after 2 years.
