How to Care for Azaleas After Blooming
As one of the top ten famous traditional Chinese flowers, azaleas are deeply loved by horticulture enthusiasts for their vibrant and colorful blooms. However, many flower enthusiasts often encounter challenges in managing the blooming period, especially in post-bloom care and the issue of watering during the blooming period. This article will provide a detailed analysis from the perspective of scientific care.
Three Key Steps for Post-Bloom Azalea Care
Scientific Pruning to Encourage New Growth
Post-bloom pruning is an essential step in rejuvenating azaleas. It is recommended to use pruning shears disinfected with 75% alcohol, pruning the spent flowers and flower receptacles at a 45-degree angle, while also removing withered leaves, diseased and pest-infested branches, and crossing branches. Be sure to retain a 0.5cm stem segment above the new buds, with the total pruning amount not exceeding 1/3 of the total branches of the plant, to avoid excessive pruning that affects photosynthesis.
Precise Water Control to Protect the Root System
Adopt the "dry-wet" watering method, waiting for the top 2cm of soil to dry before slowly watering thoroughly along the pot edge with a long-spout kettle. It is recommended to use rainwater or tap water that has been left to stand for 3 days with a pH value of 5.5-6.5, and adjust the soil pH monthly with a 0.1% ferrous sulfate solution. In high-temperature summer periods, place陶粒 (ceramic stones) at the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Light Regulation to Aid Growth
After blooming, gradually increase the light intensity, receiving 3 hours of direct sunlight in the morning and evening during spring and autumn, and use a 50% shade net for protection in summer. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even exposure to light, and if the leaf tips turn brown, immediately move it to a shady place and spray clear water on the back of the leaves for补救.
Risk Analysis of Watering Azaleas During the Blooming Period
Watering during full bloom can lead to three major issues: 1) Water accumulating on petals causing gray mold disease, 2) Pollen becoming inactive due to water affecting pollination, and 3) Temperature changes causing bud drop. It is recommended to maintain 60%-70% air humidity by placing an ultrasonic humidifier near the plant, using the pot-in-pot method (outer pot filled with wet陶粒), or sprinkling water on the ground in the morning to create a locally humid environment.
Scientific care can enable azaleas to achieve the ornamental effect of "blooming year after year." Remember to promptly supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizers after blooming (apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate 1000 times solution every half month), combined with regular potting (changing to acidic decomposed leaf soil every 2 years), and pay attention to low-temperature (5-10°C) vernalization in winter, which will allow your azaleas to continue to bloom with captivating charm.