How to Plant Azaleas for High Survival Rate
Azaleas, with their brilliant flower colors, are a popular choice for courtyard landscaping. However, many gardening enthusiasts often encounter the problem of low survival rates during transplantation. This article summarizes five core techniques from practical experience, combined with scientific care methods, to help you achieve a survival rate of over 90% for azalea transplantation.
Scientific Soil Preparation Lays the Foundation
Principle of Three Essential Factors for Pot Selection
Choose a breathable ceramic pot with a diameter 5-8cm larger than the original soil ball, and the bottom must have three or more drainage holes. Avoid using glazed porcelain pots, as their poor breathability can easily lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Acidic Soil Preparation
Use the golden ratio of decomposed leaf soil: pine needle soil: river sand = 5:3:2, and mix 200g of sulfur powder per cubic meter of soil to adjust the pH to 4.5-5.5. Regularly water with ferrous sulfate solution to maintain an acidic environment.
Key Steps in Root Treatment
Scientific Use of Rooting Hormones
Dilute ABT1 rooting powder 800 times and soak the roots for 2 hours, then dry them to half. Focus on treating thick roots with a diameter > 2mm, applying yellow mud slurry to the cut surface to form callus.
Control of Planting Depth
Keep the original soil mark level with the pot opening when planting, and gently lift the plant after filling the soil to spread the roots. Leave a 2cm space around the pot edge for watering, and avoid deep burial that can lead to stem rot.
Core Points of Environmental Regulation
Management of Light Transition
Place the plant in a diffused light environment for 15 days after transplantation, gradually increasing the duration of sunlight. Use a 75% shade net for transition, avoiding leaf burn while ensuring photosynthesis.
Precise Control of Temperature and Humidity
Air the bag twice a day, keeping the temperature inside the bag below 28°C. Use an intermittent spray device to maintain the optimal air humidity of 70%-80%.
Key Time Nodes in Maintenance
Water and Fertilizer Management Cycle
Water the leaves with a spray in the morning and evening for 7 days after planting, and water thoroughly on the 8th day. After 30 days, apply a solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate 800 times, promoting the development of fine roots.
Judgment Standard for Survival
New buds sprouting and old leaves standing upright indicate survival. Continue to observe for 60 days. If the leaves wilt, immediately check the roots and treat with carbendazim solution.
By following the above systematic operations, combined with regular checks and adjustments, the survival rate of azalea transplantation can be significantly improved. It is recommended to perform the operation when the temperature is between 15-25°C in spring and autumn, avoiding the plum rain and high-temperature seasons, allowing this beauty of the mountains to permanently bloom in the courtyard.