Even though the different types of bell heather come from very different areas of the world, they still require similar care. The Erica tetralix comes from Europe, as does the Irish bell heather (bot. Daboecia cantabrica).
How do you properly care for a bell heather?
When caring for a bell heather, you should pay attention to neither waterlogging nor dryness, water regularly, fertilize only a little and remember that it is not hardy. The ideal overwintering temperature is between 3 °C and 10 °C and propagation occurs through cuttings or seeds.
Planting the bell heather
The bell heather can be planted in normal potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon) or special rhododendron soil; you are welcome to mix both with a little sand. Erica is rarely kept as a houseplant, but with its bell-like flowers it offers a beautiful eye-catcher in the garden or on the balcony.
Watering and fertilizing the bell heather
The Irish bell heather can tolerate a bit of waterlogging, as it is also native to moors. However, if the ball dries out, it will damage the plant. By the way, she prefers low-calcium water.
For other types of bell heather, you should let the soil dry out a little before watering the plant again. Only give fertilizer every now and then between April and September. However, the dose should only be small. Fertilization is unnecessary in fresh soil.
The Bell Heath in winter
While the Irish bell heather is partially hardy, this is not the case for the South African bell or cape heather. Both prefer to overwinter frost-free, at around 5 °C to 10 °C. The bell heather prefers a bright winter quarters, but also tolerates partial shade. However, due to its low price, the bell heather is rarely overwintered, but rather a new plant is bought for the next season.
The propagation of the bell heather
The bell heather can be propagated both by seeds and cuttings. However, since these plants can be found quite cheaply in stores, hardly any plant lover makes this effort. If you enjoy it, just give it a try.
The most important care tips:
- cannot tolerate waterlogging or dryness
- water regularly, daily in summer if the location is sunny
- fertilize only a little
- not hardy
- ideal wintering temperature: approx. 3 °C to 10 °C
- Propagation by cuttings or seeds
Tip
Since the bell heather is not winter-hardy, it should be brought into the apartment or taken to its winter quarters in good time before the first night frosts if you do not want to buy a new plant next time.
