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Agapetes 'Ludgvan Cross'

Agapetes serpens x A. rugosa

Please take your time removing your plant from it's packaging.

Getting started -- Your plant was grown in filtered light, so please acclimate it to direct sun slowly after transplanting. Start it in 80% shade, and increase the sun by about 10% per week.

Soil -- Agapetes prefers a loose, well-draining soil mix that is slightly acidic and without lime.  It can adapt to most regular potting soils, but it's a good idea to add some peat moss to acidify it.  A good soil mix would be equal parts of: high-quality potting soil, peat moss, perlite or pumice rock, and fine-grade orchid bark.  An alternative is to use equal parts of soil and perlite.  For this mix, use an acidic fertilizer.

Container growing -- repot your plant to a 1 or 2 gallon container.  Then when the roots reach the bottom, either plant it in the ground if you're in a mild-winter area, or into a 5-10 gallon pot. Be careful whenever transplanting, so as not to damage the fine roots.  It's a good idea to put a 1-2" layer of gravel at the bottom for extra drainage. Don't pack down the soil around the plant - simply water it in.

Watering --  If your tap water is high in minerals or "hard" (common in much of the U.S.), it's best to use bottled water or rainwater, or filter the tap water using a distiller or reverse-osmosis unit.  If you don't want to go through the trouble of this, then fertilize using a fertilizer for acid-loving plants.  This should counteract the alkalinity of the tap water.

Water your plant lightly but often, keeping the soil evenly moist most of the time. Occasionally water heavily to leach out any excess fertilizer. Do not keep the plant perpetually soggy, and don't let the pot sit in a tray of water.

Light - Agapetes likes tree filtered sun, so that it gets about 50% sun. In hot areas, it's best to give it afternoon shade and plenty of ventilation.

Fertilizer - If you added peat moss to your soil, then most all-purpose fertilizers should be fine.  If you didn't add peat, or your tap water is high in minerals, then use an "acid-loving plant" fertilizer or citrus fertilizer at least some of the time.  Whichever you use, use about half the dosage recommended on the package.

Overwintering - In its homeland of the Himalayas, the temperature gets down to about 32°. It can probably survive several degrees of frost, but it does best with temperatures above 40°. I recommend giving it protection when frost is predicted.  Over about 40% humidity is best.

By the way, it's normal for the new growth to be reddish.

If you have any questions or problems, please email me.

Enjoy your plant!

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