How to manage azaleas in winter
As winter approaches, azalea, one of the top ten famous flowers in China, is facing the most severe test of survival. Many flower lovers have found that carefully maintained rhododendrons frequently lose leaves, dead branches and even whole plants die in winter. In fact, as long as we master the characteristics of different varieties and cooperate with scientific maintenance methods, rhododendrons can safely survive the winter and usher in next year's splendid flower season. Variety differences and temperature control in the core elements of rhododendron winter management There are significant differences in cold tolerance between East and West cuckoo. Eastern cuckoo can tolerate low temperatures of-15℃ and can wintering in the open except in Northeast China; while Western cuckoo needs to be moved indoors below 5℃. It is recommended to complete the room before the frost falls, use a thermometer to monitor in real time, and keep the temperature at night no less than 8℃ and no more than 18℃ during the day. The golden rule of light management The sunshine intensity in winter is only 1/3 of that in summer, so light resources should be utilized to the greatest extent. Adopt the "south window first" principle: place the plants on a south-facing balcony or bay window to ensure that they receive 5-6 hours of direct light every day. Special attention should be paid to rotating the flowerpot regularly to ensure uniform light reception in all directions. The precise moisture control plan adopts the "three-finger detection method": insert the index finger, middle finger and ring finger into the basin soil to a depth of 3 cm, and water the water if the pulp of the fingers does not feel moist. The water temperature should be allowed to stand to room temperature in advance, and 0.2% citric acid should be added to adjust the pH value to 5.5-6.0. The heating room can be equipped with an ultrasonic humidifier to maintain the air humidity of 60%-70%. Innovative air circulation skills Set up a "stepped flower stand" on the window sill and place the rhododendrons in the middle level 1.5 meters away from the window. Turn on the upper hanging window for ventilation from 10:00 to 14:00 every day, and cooperate with the circulation fan to form air convection. Volcanic stone pillars are used to elevate the bottom of the basin to both breathe air and increase local humidity. Nutritional management contraindications Strictly stop fertilization from December to February of the following year. Starting from March, the "four-step wake-up method" will be used: first irrigate the roots with EM bacterial solution, apply decomposed soybean cake water (1:50 dilution) 7 days later, and add potassium dihydrogen phosphate (800 times solution) before flowering. Be careful to avoid boron-containing fertilizers. Rhododendron is extremely sensitive to this element. The standard process of post-flowering pruning needs to be completed within 3 days after blooming. The "three-cutting method" is used: first, cut at 2mm from the base of the flower receptacle, second, cut the crossing branches in the inner chamber, and third, cut the long branches that exceed the crown width. Reserve 1/3 of the old leaves as nutritional reserves, and apply charcoal powder to the wound to prevent infection.
Through the above systematic management measures, the overwintering survival rate of rhododendrons can be increased to more than 90%. The key is to grasp the "three suitable principles": timely adjustment of the environment, appropriate replenishment of water, and appropriate pruning. Before and after the sting in March of the next year, the light intensity can be gradually increased to fully prepare for the blooming flowers in spring.