How to Care for Newly Purchased Western Azalea
The newly acquired Western Azalea always comes with heartwarming flower buds, but improper care often leads to a shortened blooming period. As a typical greenhouse flower, Western Azalea is particularly sensitive to changes in the home environment. Mastering the following five core care techniques will help your Western Azalea successfully transition through the adaptation period and burst into full branches of brilliant flowers.
Critical Period of Environmental Adaptation
Delay Repotting to Protect Roots
The roots of Western Azalea with flower buds are in a vulnerable state, and repotting at this time will cause more than 50% of the flower buds to fall off. The best choice is to care for it in the original pot until the end of the blooming period, and then replace it with a breathable ceramic pot after the spring blooming season.
Gradual Light Adjustment
Keep it in a diffused light environment for the first 3 days, then increase 1 hour of direct sunlight each day starting from the 4th day, and stabilize to receive 4-6 hours of sunlight from a south-facing windowsill after a week. In winter, it can be cared for under full sunlight, and in summer, a sunshade net needs to be set up.
Water Management Techniques
Accurate Watering Judgment Method
Use the 'Pot Lifting Method': lift the pot in the early morning to feel the weight, and water thoroughly when the weight is reduced by 1/3. Keep the potting soil slightly moist in winter, and maintain 60% humidity in spring and summer, avoiding water accumulation in the saucer for more than 2 hours.
Air Humidity Maintenance Plan
Use a humidifier to maintain 60%-70% environmental humidity, or place a moist ceramic stone saucer under the pot. Be careful to avoid spraying water on the leaves and flower buds to prevent mold spot disease.
Nutrition Supply Strategy
Recognition and Use of Slow-Release Fertilizer
The original pot yellow slow-release fertilizer can provide nutrients for 3 months, and no top-dressing is needed during the blooming period. After the flowers, supplement with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers by shallowly burying bone meal (5g/time) around the pot edge, combined with foliar application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate diluted 2000 times.
Key Points of Ventilation and Disease Prevention
Ensure 2 hours of air circulation every day, and use a pot stand to elevate the pot by 5cm to promote ventilation at the bottom. Regularly wipe the leaves with garlic water (diluted 1:50) to prevent red spider mites and other pests and diseases.
Through scientific environmental regulation and meticulous care, Western Azalea can not only safely pass through the potting period but also achieve a continuous blooming period of 3-4 months. Remember the 'Three Slow Principles': slow repotting, slow fertilizing, and slow exposure to light, combined with precise temperature and humidity control, to keep this brilliant spring scene in your home for a long time.