How to care for Rhododendron
Rhododendron is favored by gardening enthusiasts for its elegant branches and leaves and unique ornamental value, but many people often encounter problems such as leaf scorch and slow growth during maintenance. This article will systematically analyze the six key points of caring for Rhododendron, from basic to advanced, to help you master the core techniques to keep Rhododendron thriving.
Three Elements of Environmental Control
Soil Configuration Plan
It is recommended to use a 5:3:2 ratio of decomposed leaf soil + coarse river sand + perlite for potted Rhododendron, change the substrate every two years and add bone meal as a base fertilizer. For ground planting, ensure that the planting area has a slope >15°, and improve drainage by mixing in volcanic rock particles.
Sunlight Management Strategy
In spring and autumn, expose to 3 hours of morning sunlight daily, use double-layer shading net (shading rate 60%) in summer for protection. In winter, it can receive scattered light all day, and rotate the pot 180° regularly to ensure even light exposure.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Keep the ideal temperature range of 18-25°C, and use misting to cool down (three times a day) when the temperature exceeds 32°C in summer. Maintain a temperature no lower than -5°C during the winter, and it is recommended to wrap the pot with PE insulation film in the northern regions.
Daily Maintenance Key Points
Scientific Watering Plan
Follow the "dry-wet" principle, maintain the substrate moisture content at 40%-60% during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce it to 20% in winter. It is recommended to use a long-spout pot to slowly water along the pot wall, combined with a hygrometer for precise monitoring.
Fertilization Cycle Planning
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15) every month from March to October, and add potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution (0.2% concentration) during the flower bud differentiation period. Stop fertilizing during the winter dormancy period.
Advanced Techniques for Shaping Management
Pruning and Shaping Method
Perform shaping pruning every March, retain 3-5 main branches of the trunk, and remove crossing and weak branches. During the growing period, control the branch length with the "pinch two, leave four" method, and apply healing agent to the cut to prevent infection.
Pest and Disease Control
Focus on preventing red spider mites (apply emamectin benzoate) and leaf spot disease (prevent with mancozeb). Clean the leaves with garlic extract solution monthly to enhance resistance.
Through systematic maintenance management, Rhododendron can not only maintain a green state throughout the year but also cultivate a unique cliff-style shape. It is recommended to combine with a plant growth monitor to master the maintenance parameters in real-time and keep a growth log regularly to optimize the maintenance plan.