Gaulteria

Family. Ericaceae.

Origin. Eastern part of North America.

Description. Gaulteria is a small, evergreen low-growing creeping shrub with erect stems, elliptical or ovoid glossy dark green leaves 2 - 5 cm long and 1 - 2 cm wide, with a distinct pleasant aroma. In autumn the leaves take on a reddish tint. The flowers are waxy, bell-shaped, 5 mm long, white, located in the leaf axils singly or in small short inflorescences - racemes. After flowering, attractive red round berries with a diameter of about 1 cm appear on the plant, which remain on the plant for a very long time, giving it additional decorativeness. The root system is superficial.

Height. 10 - 15 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Normal room temperature, in winter it can drop to 10 - 15 ° C. 

Lighting

This is a shade-loving plant that tolerates direct sunlight only in cool summers.

Substrate

Well-drained, acidic, containing peat and sand. pH from 3.5 to 6.9. 

Feeding

During the period of active growth every 2 weeks.

Flowering time

From June to August, berries ripen from October to December. 

Air humidity

Spray periodically. 

Soil moisture

Water regularly with softened water at room temperature, reduce watering in winter, but do not allow the earthen ball to dry out. 

Transplant

Every spring.

Reproduction

Under natural conditions, it spreads using long rhizomes, which are located in the top layer of soil at a depth of 2 - 3 cm. Seeds require cold stratification for 4 - 10 weeks before planting, germinate well, usually within 1 - 2 months at 20 ° C. Semi-ripe cuttings 3–6 cm long, which are planted in July–August. 

Pests and diseases

Powdery mildew and leaf spot. 

Harmful insects sometimes include aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and thrips. If you keep the plant outdoors in the warm season, slugs and snails may attack it.