This is a rare look at the beautiful Agapetes scortechinii.  This unusual Rhododendron relative is found only in the misty mountains of Malaysia.  It makes showy clusters of pink bell-shaped blossoms throughout the year.  Even without blooms it's an attractive plant, with glossy, thick leaves along arching shoots.  This is a really nice collector's plant that is almost never seen for sale.

It is an evergreen shrub that makes woody shoots about 2 to 4 feet long, but potentially longer.  Feel free to prune them shorter if you need to.  The shoots are lined with rounded, shiny leaves that are leathery.  The plant looks great when grown in a hanging planter.  The tubular flowers usually hang in clusters of 3 to 6 along the shoots.  The 1 inch blossoms are glossy and have a thick, waxy texture.  After they're pollinated, they make red, shiny fruit which is probably edible, but i'm not certain.

It grows in cloud forests in Malaysia, where temperatures are mild all year and nights are cool.  It grows well in typical household temperatures.  It is untested in very high heat.  It needs protection from freezing temperatures.  In the right conditions, it is easy to grow.  It likes bright, filtered light, with protection from strong sun.  Give it a chunky, well-draining soil mix.  A typical mix is 1 part small orchid bark, 2 parts potting soil, and 1 part perlite or coarse sand.  Keep the mix evenly moist or allow it to dry out halfway.  Over about 40% humidity is best.

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