From our perspective, light is our primary source of energy. We are not low-light plants; we thrive in bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is ideal, as it provides the gentle morning sun we adore. A north-facing window can also work well. If you place us in a south or west window, the intense afternoon sun will likely scorch our delicate leaves, causing them to turn brown and crisp. Please use a sheer curtain to filter that harsh light. We will tell you if we are unhappy; leggy growth with large gaps between leaves means we are straining for more light, while yellowing or scorched leaves mean we are getting too much.
Our roots are exceptionally delicate and demand an acidic, exceptionally well-draining, and airy growing medium. Standard potting soil will suffocate us and lead to root rot, which is often fatal. We require a specific mix designed for acid-loving plants like us, typically composed of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. This mixture holds just enough moisture while allowing excess water to drain away quickly and keeps our soil pH low. The pot you choose is equally important. It must have ample drainage holes. While a decorative ceramic pot is aesthetically pleasing, please consider using it as a cachepot. Plant us in a slightly larger plastic nursery pot with drainage and then place that inside the decorative one, remembering to empty any drained water after watering.
Watering is perhaps the most critical aspect of your care. We prefer our soil to be consistently moist but never soggy. Please water us thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, allowing water to run freely out of the drainage holes. Never let us sit in a saucer of water. We are also very particular about the water itself. Tap water, which is often alkaline and contains chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, can burn our leaf tips and raise the soil pH, preventing us from absorbing nutrients. Where possible, please use rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water. Furthermore, we are native to humid environments. The dry air in most homes is challenging for us. To keep our leaves from browning and dropping, please increase humidity around us by placing our pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is not sitting in the water) or by grouping us with other plants.
To support our vibrant blooms and healthy foliage, we need the right food at the right time. Feed us with a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, like one designed for azaleas or rhododendrons. Apply it according to the package directions during our active growing season (typically spring and summer), but please do not fertilize us while we are in bloom or during our dormant period. After our flowers fade, we enter a rest phase. This is a natural and necessary part of our cycle. During this time, reduce watering slightly and stop fertilizing. Place us in a cooler room (around 60°F or 15°C) for several weeks to allow us to recuperate and set buds for the next flowering season.
