Cape Heath

Cape Heath Care

Erica Gracilis

What is the plant

E. gracilis - E. gracilis is a dwarf evergreen shrub with mid-green, needle-like foliage. It produces clusters of bell-shaped, usually magenta, sometimes white, flowers from early autumn to early spring. As it is frost-tender, it is suitable for indoors and may be taken to an outdoor sheltered position in summer.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

7°C - 11°C

Hardiness zone

8 - 10

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Watered as the substrate dries to a depth of about 5 cm. Do not allow the plant to dry out. While it dumps buds and leaves, the plant may die after repeated over-drying. When watering, we must try to get water on the leaves, which prevents the occurrence of fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Does not require a lot of fertilizer. It is desirable to occasionally apply top dressing for azaleas diluted with respect to the recommended dose. A large amount of fertilizer is harmful to heather. The plant does not fertilize during flowering
Sunlight
Erica prefers bright sunlight, at least 6 hours of direct sun, a south or south-west window

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
It needs acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5. Use a mixture of peat soil (5 parts), perlite (2 parts), garden soil, sand and compost (1 part). It can be added to the soil, and a bed of pine forest, pine needles and spruce bark. As a ready-made substrate, soil mixture for azaleas can be used. Requires good drainage.
Temperature
The plant is kept in summer at a temperature of + 64,4-77 ° F. Like azaleas, this plant does not tolerate too high temperatures. In the heat, regular airing is required, since in too hot dry conditions leaves quickly fall off. However, a draft is harmful. In winter, a cool content (+ 46,4-53,6 ° F) is necessary. Very poorly tolerate both heat and lower temperatures
Popularity
158 people already have this plant 20 people have added this plant to their wishlists