Agapetes serpens SEH#15033 RSBG, Himalayan Lanterns

Another amazing Agapetes brought to us all by Steve Hootman of the Rhododendron Species Botanic Garden. Where would the world of these amazing plants be without him?

This Himalayan lantern has arching stems and shiny, small evergreen leaves that hold rows of pendent, bright orange-red blooms marked with chevrons. The markings on the blooms are similar to the famous cultivar Agapetes 'Ludgvan Cross' but differ with more orange/red tones to the bloom rather than pink/orange.

Agapetes are an understory shrub, generally found growing as epiphytes. They grow best in bright, indirect light with even moisture. Our older plants are quite drought-tolerant, but do not let young plants dry out. 

Note on hardiness: the smaller-leafed Agapetes tend to be more hardy; these survived in 0.5 qt pots through our greenhouse collapse in 2024 when we had sustained temperatures less than 20° F. It was a good reminder that many minimum temperatures have not yet been fully explored.

Mature size: 3 ft T x W

Minimum temperature: 25° F