| Life form | Herbaceous plants, small shrubs, occasionally there are tree-like forms. |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Origin and distribution | In total there are about 860 species in the genus. Most of them (690) grow wild in South Africa, the rest – in Madagascar, in the Mediterranean, Europe. |
| Ease of cultivation | Difficult enough for room keeping |
| The size | Up to 30 cm tall |
| Growth rate | Low |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| 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 |
| Humidity | At high temperatures, constant spraying is necessary, which also prevents the appearance of pests. But too humid air of greenhouses does not suit a plant |
| Lighting | Erica prefers bright sunlight, at least 6 hours of direct sun, a south or south-west window |
| The 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. |
| Watering | 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. |
| How to fertilize | 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 |
| Reproduction | It is easiest to multiply by dividing the bush into parts. It should not be destroyed by an earthen cloud. |
| Bloom | The most popular species – Erica elegant (Erica gracilis) blooms from autumn to spring.Flowers – purple, pink, red, purple, in some species, white miniature bells. There are species blooming in spring, there are – blooming in summer and in winter |
| Transplant and care | Transplanted annually as the pot is filled with roots. Earth clod is preserved. When transplanting, do not overly embed the plant, as it threatens to rot, but too superficial planting is also undesirable. The pot is shallow, since the root system of the heaths is shallow. In summer, it is advisable to take out on a balcony or garden, but you should protect the plant from strong winds. Every spring it is necessary to carry out pruning, which will promote abundant branching and flowering |
| Difficulties | The main pests: spider mites, aphids. With a lack of lighting, the plant stretches and blooms poorly. Pale leaves and too slow growth can talk about a lack of nutrients. When over-drying and under too hot conditions, leaves are discarded |
| Beneficial features | Some species, such as Erica cinerea, are used for medicinal purposes, as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent in diseases of the genitourinary system. |
| Toxicity | – |
