I'm off my rocker, Ericaceae plants

[Tindomul]

So, I must be addicted to plants in general. It got into my head that I HAD, HAD, HAD to grow some plants of the Ericaceae family (Andromedas, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Blueberry, Cranberry etc....). And I was thinking, well with so many genera and species there has to be something I can grow indoors. OMG, its like I couldn't stop thinking about it and I spent my whole Sunday researching and researching.
Well I was not disappointed.
I ended up getting
Agapetes serpens
Agapetes serpens - Google Search

Macleana insignis
Macleania insignis - Google Search

and Vireya Rhododendrons.
Wow, apparently there are Rhododenrons that are small and epiphytic and grow like orchids!!!
I bought
Rhododendron celebicum
http://www.bovees.com/Web%20Site%206.../celebicum.jpg

Rhododendron x planecostatum
http://www.bovees.com/Web%20Site%206...necostatum.jpg

Rhododendron gracilentum
http://www.bovees.com/Web%20Site%206...racilentum.jpg
Google Image Result for http://www.wfu.edu/~kronka/kakbek/images/67.%20Rhodogracilentum.JPG


So all in all, I am hooked and I have yet to see any of these house plants in person.

Does anyone else grow any of these???

[Izzie]

I'll stick with my goldfish plant as my random houseplant. Those are fab though! I hope they do well for you!

Though honestly...the "goldfishes" look more like Platys or Mollies....

[Tindomul]

Goldfish plants? What do they look like? Have any links?

[Paul]

Neat plants, Caesar! So how big should they get and will they need a cool winter rest/dormancy?

There are several plants which have the moniker "goldfish plant". One of the ones most commonly being referred to this way is Nematanthus

Google Image Result for http://grinnell.unh.edu/blogpix/Nematanthus.jpg

[Tindomul]

Ooh, a Gesneriad. Cool.
Well these Rhododendrons are evergreen. Apparently their winter rest consists of watering slightly less frequently than usual. They are not deciduous if thats what you ment. When I ordered my plants and told the owner I grew orchids he said "Oohh, well you are READY for Vireyas!"

[johnblagg]

wow who knew ...I did notfor sure...

Thanks these are awesome

[Triffid]

Addicted to plants..... that sounds very familiar .

I don't have experience with the exact types you are looking to get but have:

Azalea (japonica), this plant tends to attract slugs more that other hardwood plants and even attract the slimy blighter's away from other 'softer' plants. Though most types can apparently be made into bonsai. Beautiful displays of flowers make it all worth while though.

Rhododendron (random purple inherited), Interesting plant grows well and I don't do anything but occasionally feed (when I remember... hardly ever) and cut it back when it threatens to invade the neighbours garden or break down the fence (which it does yearly!). Also with Rhododendron if you want to grow plants around the base, don't bother! They release some sort of substance which kills of (most) other plants around it, leaving more space for itself.
Again worth it for the blooms! (but sticky!)

& a small Blueberry (not yet fruited), if you get a young plant they will take a few years before they begin to fruit. They also like to be kept on the dryer side of things and should not be over watered (likes it's drainage). Will it ever bloom and fruit..... I don't know, it's depressed me this one. So all I can say is try and get a mature one.

Best of luck with your choices!

[Tim]

Originally Posted by Izzie

I'll stick with my goldfish plant as my random houseplant. Those are fab though! I hope they do well for you!

Though honestly...the "goldfishes" look more like Platys or Mollies....

HAHAHA, I agree it's very misleading :P

[Tindomul]

Thanks Triffid! Absolutely, if you have space outdoors you should grow these wonderful plants (Large Rhododendrons and Azaleas and Blueberries). Tell about your little Azalea, do you keep it indoors or out?

[Triffid]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Thanks Triffid! Absolutely, if you have space outdoors you should grow these wonderful plants (Large Rhododendrons and Azaleas and Blueberries). Tell about your little Azalea, do you keep it indoors or out?

No probs, glad to be of some assistance.
I keep my azalea outdoors in the ground (naturally sandy soil so added compost when planted) and made sure it was well fertilized. This one I do remember to feed more often than others. But apart from the feeding I'm letting it grow naturally as much as possible and just keeping the slime mungers away using used up coffee grounds. May actually prune it this year or next.
Planning to get more, only will hopefully bonsai the next one
It get a lot of light through out the day, but slightly shaded by a Japanese maple. Here's a pic.