Caring Methods for newly purchased Azaleas
The website introduces you to the knowledge of flower care, specifically about Azaleas. Here are some great tips on caring for newly purchased Azaleas, which are worth collecting!
It's common for newly purchased Azaleas to wilt, which is mainly due to issues with water supply. Here, I'll share my own experiences in three stages for a simple analysis. Please correct me if there are any mistakes. I hope this can be helpful for beginners:
1. Emergency stage. Azaleas bought from a greenhouse may easily dehydrate due to the huge contrast between the home and greenhouse environments (wilted flowers, drooping leaves). The water supply at this stage is for emergency purposes, focusing on preventing the plant from dying rather than on flowering results. Recommended methods include thoroughly watering and spraying a large amount of water. Since the greenhouse has high humidity and many Azaleas have large plants with small root balls, it's hard for them to adapt to a dry environment and absorb water solely through the roots. Spraying water can reduce the burden on the roots and quickly restore the moisture balance. It's similar to how wilted vegetables bought from home can quickly become fresh again when soaked in water. Spray water as needed, 3-4 times a day or more. Azalea leaves are thin and have a high water absorption capacity. Within a few hours, you can see noticeable results.
2. Adaptation stage. Azaleas without obvious dehydration need some time to adapt to the dry indoor environment. During this process, the frequency of spraying water gradually decreases to help the plant build resistance to low humidity. The most important task during this stage is to figure out the appropriate amount and frequency of watering for your own Azalea, which depends on the type of potting soil, drainage conditions, plant size, and environmental temperature and humidity. Different seasons require adjustments as well. Once watering is mastered, you are basically on the right track in growing Azaleas.
3. Normal cultivation stage. After the Azalea has adapted to the indoor environment, there is no longer a need to spray water. Simply follow the established watering pattern, and the plant will grow healthily.
Quantitative watering method: This method involves giving a fixed amount of water to the Azalea every day. The benefits include simplicity, avoiding the uncertainty of checking the soil moisture frequently, and accurately controlling the water supply. It also allows for precise duplication of others' experiences, which is convenient for sharing among gardening friends. With specific indicators, adjusting the water volume is as simple as adding or subtracting tens of milliliters.
Azaleas have a certain range of water requirements and minor dehydration won't cause problems. However, the plant will only be in its healthiest state with moist soil, resulting in lively branches and leaves and vigorous growth. Quantitative watering can maintain the optimal soil moisture for a long time.
After daily quantitative watering, if the soil becomes drier, it means the water is too little. If the saucer accumulates more and more water, it means too much water is being given. My experience is that for a small Azalea with a 30 cm canopy, placed on a south-facing windowsill, using central heating in winter, 100 milliliters of water is needed daily. If there's direct heating under the windowsill, and the temperature is higher, 200 milliliters of water is needed daily.
The premise of using the quantitative watering method is that the soil must be loose and well-drained. The soil ball that comes with the purchased Azalea is suitable for this method.
Now you know the detailed introduction to the care methods for newly purchased Azaleas, right?