How to Care for a Newly Purchased Azalea
As one of China's top ten famous flowers, the azalea conquers countless flower enthusiasts with its brilliant colors. However, newly purchased azaleas often face the challenge of sudden environmental changes, making proper care crucial. This article will systematically analyze the key points of caring for a newly purchased azalea, from environmental adaptation to daily management.
Essential Points for Caring for a Newly Purchased Azalea
1. Management During the Environmental Adaptation Period
During the acclimatization period, maintain a warm environment of 18-23°C and avoid direct sunlight. It is recommended to place it on a north-facing windowsill to receive scattered light. For the first three days, you can cover it with a transparent plastic bag to keep it moist, and ventilate for two hours daily to help the plant transition smoothly.
2. Scientific Light Control
Azaleas prefer a semi-shaded environment, receiving 3-4 hours of morning light during spring and autumn, and using a shade net to filter 50% of the sunlight during summer. In winter, it can be moved to a south-facing balcony but should be kept 30cm away from the glass to prevent scalding.
3. Precise Water Management
Use the immersion method to water: immerse the pot in water for 10 minutes, then drain after the substrate is completely moistened. Use rainwater or tap water that has been exposed to sunlight for three days with a pH of 5.5-6.5, and adjust the soil pH monthly with a 0.1% ferrous sulfate solution.
4. Temperature and Humidity Control
Keep the day-night temperature difference between 5-8°C, with the night temperature not lower than 15°C. Use a pebble water tray to increase humidity, maintaining the air humidity at 60-70%. During the winter heating period, spray twice a day, making sure to avoid the flowers.
5. Nutrition Supplement Strategy
Start fertilizing after the acclimatization period with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring, and switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer (5-30-5) before the blooming period. Dilute 3000 times every 10 days for root irrigation, combined with foliar application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution.
Advanced Care Techniques
Regularly check the soil EC value (should be <1.2mS/cm), and change the soil immediately if salt accumulation is found. After flowering each year, prune weak branches, leaving 3-5 nodes on the main branches. It is recommended to use a mixed substrate of pine needle soil + decomposed leaf soil + perlite (3:2:1).
Mastering these care secrets, your newly purchased azalea will not only survive but also bloom year after year. Remember to observe the leaf condition: curling leaf edges need watering, burning leaf tips require shading, and yellowing leaves indicate a need to check the pH. With patience and care, you will certainly harvest a tree full of blooming flowers.