How to Care for Azaleas
The azaleas blooming on the windowsill can always brighten up the entire room, but many gardening enthusiasts often see their plants wither due to improper care. As a typical representative of acid-loving plants, azaleas have unique requirements for their growing environment. Mastering scientific care methods can keep potted azaleas blooming for 3-5 years.
Four Essential Elements of Azalea Home Care
Light and Temperature Control
From late spring to early autumn, use a shade net to filter 50% of direct sunlight, and in winter, the plants can be exposed to full sunlight. Maintain a day-night temperature difference within 8°C, with 20-25°C being the optimal growth temperature. During the heating season in the north, place the plants away from radiators to avoid leaf damage from high temperatures.
Special Acidic Soil Formula
Mix pine needle soil, decomposed oak leaf soil, and red jade soil in a ratio of 5:3:2, and add 5g of sulfur powder per kilogram of substrate to adjust the pH level. It is recommended to retain 1/3 of the original soil when repotting in the spring every two years, and the new soil should be pre-soaked with lemon acid water (pH 5.5) to wake it up.
Accurate Water Management
Using the immersion method to water can prevent waterlogging: place the pot in a container of water and remove it once the soil surface is moist. In summer, spray the leaves with water mixed with 0.1% white vinegar in the morning and evening, which can both replenish water and prevent leaf spot disease.
Segmented Fertilization Plan
In March, during the germination period, apply bone meal and decomposed sheep manure (3:1); during the bud formation period, water with a solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate 800 times diluted weekly; after flowering, prune and apply chelated iron fertilizer. Follow the principle of frequent, light applications, keeping the concentration below 0.2%.
Azalea Propagation and Disease Control
New Technique for High-pressure Propagation
Select a healthy two-year-old branch, strip 1cm of bark, wrap it with water moss soaked in rooting powder, and cover it with a plastic bag. Keep the substrate moist, and after about 45 days of root formation, cut it away from the mother plant. This method has a survival rate of up to 90% and the plants can bloom in the same year.
Comprehensive Pest and Disease Management
Red spider mite control: Wipe the leaf backs with citrus peel extract every week. Root rot prevention: Apply a solution of Hatz wood霉菌 200 times diluted monthly. If leaf spot disease is found, immediately remove the affected leaves and spray with a solution of mancozeb 800 times diluted.
Through a scientific care system, azaleas can continue to grow healthily in a home environment. Regularly observe the plant's condition, timely adjust care details, and you can cultivate exquisite, lush azaleas. Remember to maintain good ventilation and moderate humidity, and this sprite from the mountains will reward you with a room full of fragrance.