How to plant Rhododendron
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Commonly used for greening and plum environments, Rhododendron, also known as bright Azalea, is native to the southwest of China. The plant of red Rhododendron is about three meters high, with young branches densely covered with gray or brown pubescence, leaves ovate-lanceolate to long-ovate-lanceolate, and covered with yellow-brown bristles. From April to June, 2-4 light purple-red flowers bloom at the top of the stem, with beautiful flower posture. The main maintenance methods of Rhododendron are as follows:
1. Environmental requirements
The best environment for growing Rhododendron flowers is to have both indoor and outdoor environments. The indoor environment is used in winter. The outdoor area is used in summer and autumn, preferably with muddy ground, avoiding cement ground. The area should be spacious, well-ventilated, shady, with a light transmission rate of about 30%, and avoiding evening sun.
2. Rhododendron watering method
rhododendron flowers prefer shady and moist conditions and should not be too dry, especially during the blooming period, which requires more water. In winter, Rhododendron flowers enter a dormant period and do not require much water, generally watering once every 4-5 days, preferably in the middle of sunny and warm days. It is best to use rainwater for watering Rhododendron flowers, followed by river water and pond water. If using tap water, it should be stored for 1-2 days to let the chlorine evaporate before use. Add 0.2% ferrous sulfate, and water once every 7-10 days during the growing season to ensure the soil remains acidic.
3. Rhododendron fertilizing skills
rhododendron prefers fertilizer, generally using decomposed cake fertilizer, fish meal, broad beans, or purple clover, etc., after decomposition, diluted with water for irrigation, avoiding the use of human waste. Before the flower buds bloom, apply a thin fertilizer once every 10 days, with a concentration of 15%, for a total of 2-3 times to promote the greening of old leaves and the growth of new roots. After the flowers fade, apply fertilizer 5-6 times from mid-May to early July to promote branching and leaf growth. If it rains continuously, dry fertilizer can be applied. Before growth stops, apply fertilizer 1-2 times.
4. Pruning and shaping
During the blooming period of rhododendron, it needs to be shaded for a short time at noon, with a light transmission rate of about 60%. The growth of rhododendron flowers is relatively slow, generally left to grow naturally, only shaping after flowering, cutting off the vigorous branches, weak branches, abnormal branches, and damaged branches.
Pruning When new seedlings grow 5-6 leaves, the top bud should be removed in time, leaving 3-4 leaves below; when new branches grow 5-6 leaves, the top bud should be removed again, and this process should be repeated several times to form a full canopy. For rhododendron planted for 2-4 years, flower buds are often removed to accelerate the formation of the frame, and the top bud is often removed to promote the growth of lateral branches. After growing into large plants, mainly cut off the diseased branches, dense branches, residual branches, withered branches, crossed branches, weak branches, vigorous branches, and branches that disorder the tree shape, mainly by thinning.
5. Light
Rhododendron is most suitable for growing in a semi-shaded environment, liking light but not adapting to direct sunlight, as it can easily burn the leaves and is difficult to recover. Too dark an environment is also not conducive to growth, so it is best placed in a place with scattered light or under tree shade. With good ventilation, it grows better.
6. Temperature
Rhododendron prefers a warm and humid climate, with an ideal cutting temperature of about 20℃, and the most suitable growth temperature is 15℃-20℃. Growth stops when the temperature exceeds 30℃ or is below 5℃.
7. Pest and disease control
During the pest period, spray 40% dimethoate 1500 times solution, once every 7 days, for 3 consecutive times. The control method for top bud rolling caterpillars mainly relies on manual capture and killing, and the larvae or pupae can also be sprayed with 40% dimethoate emulsion 2000 times solution or dichlorvos 1500 times solution.
8. Maintenance methods for Rhododendron flowers
The roots of rhododendron flowers are as fine as hair, with few thick main roots, and it is afraid of both dryness and moisture, especially heavy fertilizers. If watered too much, the roots will be soaked in water, too dry, the branches and leaves will shrink, and the leaves will fall off, posing a great threat to the plant. As for heavy fertilization, it will endanger its life.
After the rhododendron flowers fade, the残花 must be cut off to avoid nutrient consumption from fruiting. After new branches sprout, branches should be thinned appropriately depending on the plant's growth. The placement of potted rhododendron flowers is particular, generally placed on the southeast-facing balcony and well-ventilated, and moved as little as possible. Lack of ventilation can easily cause black spot disease and mass leaf fall.
Rhododendron is also commonly planted as a bonsai, using acidic soil with good permeability, drainage, and rich in humus; the flower pots generally use clay pots and purple sand pots. Clay pots have good ventilation and water permeability, and production units use this pot. For rhododendron flowers that have been shaped, they are generally planted in beautiful and elegant purple sand pots for indoor and outdoor display. Purple sand pots have delicate textures, rich colors, and beautiful shapes, which can double the ornamental value.
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