Why Does Rhododendron Wither Easily in Summer
The editor explains the topic of why rhododendrons wither easily in summer, and the details are as follows:
There are many varieties of rhododendrons, and each variety blooms beautifully, making them a popular potted flower among gardening enthusiasts. However, many gardeners feel that although rhododendrons are beautiful, they are difficult to cultivate. It seems that they buy and plant them every year, only to have them die each time. The flowers bloom beautifully in spring, but by summer, the leaves turn yellow and the plants wither. Why is that? What should be done to properly care for rhododendrons and make them bloom every year?
I. Why Do Rhododendrons Wither Easily in Summer
There are many varieties of rhododendrons. If you are planting them in the ground and want to manage them with minimal effort, it is recommended to choose Maoyuan or Siji rhododendrons, which are relatively easy to manage and can bloom profusely with little care.
For potted plants, Western rhododendrons are common, and新手 gardeners are recommended to choose Western or Anku rhododendrons because they are relatively inexpensive, and it won't be too painful if they die while learning. As for Gao Yue rhododendrons or Gaoshan rhododendrons, they are not recommended, as the seedlings are expensive and are more suitable for experienced gardeners looking to improve their skills.
When choosing rhododendron seedlings, two points need attention, as poor selection can cause significant problems in later care.
1. - - Choosing the Right Seedlings - -
Novice gardeners are advised to choose finished potted rhododendron seedlings, which can be directly observed for the type of flowers. When purchasing seedlings, it is best to choose those planted in nutrient-rich soil. Rhododendron seedlings planted in yellow clay are suitable for ground planting, but not for potted plants, as they are difficult to care for and should not be purchased.
Many gardeners find rhododendrons difficult to grow, often because the seedlings were not chosen properly.
2. - - Sandwiched Soil - -
The main reason why rhododendrons wither in summer is the issue of sandwiched soil. This problem not only occurs with rhododendrons planted in yellow clay, but also with those planted in nutrient-rich soil, which can easily happen when repotting, leading to the failure of new roots to grow.
Since rhododendrons are typically acid-loving plants, new seedlings should be planted in acidic nutrient-rich soil when repotting. However, many gardeners use general nutrient-rich soil, which is not acidic enough, making it difficult for the plant's roots to adapt to the new soil environment, thus not producing new roots.
The roots continue to grow in the original soil mass, and although the plants can bloom normally in winter and spring, they consume the nutrients in the original soil mass. Therefore, after flowering, the leaves gradually turn yellow and the plants wither. This is the truth behind why rhododendrons wither easily in summer.
II. How to Properly Care for Rhododendrons
To properly care for rhododendrons and make them bloom every year, here are four suggestions for you.
1. - - Plant in Shallow Pots - -
Since rhododendrons have shallow roots, it is recommended to use shallow pots for planting. If the pot is too deep, the soil dries slowly, and since rhododendron roots are fine and dense, the soil can become too moist, leading to root rot and plant withering.
2. - - Root Pruning When Repotting - -
It is best to use acidic nutrient-rich soil for planting rhododendrons. If general nutrient-rich soil is used, it is recommended to water with ferrous sulfate to acidify the soil. When repotting, rhododendrons should undergo root pruning, removing some of the outer roots of the original soil mass to stimulate the rapid growth of new roots that can penetrate the new soil. This prevents the issue of sandwiched soil and root failure.
3. - - Regularly Apply Acidic Fertilizer - -
Many gardeners fail to care for rhododendrons because they overlook the plant's preference for acidic conditions. Whether the soil is acidic or not, it is important to continue acidifying the potting soil during maintenance, as repeated watering can make the soil alkaline. If regular acidic fertilizer applications are neglected, the soil will become alkaline, leading to iron deficiency, yellow leaves, and even withering.
It is recommended to apply ferrous sulfate fertilizer every 10 days or so. For gardeners in northern regions, it is advisable to add ferrous sulfate fertilizer to every watering, as the soil and water in the north are more alkaline.
4. - - Provide Shade and Cool Down in Summer - -
Rhododendrons prefer shade and do not tolerate direct sunlight well. In winter and spring, they can be kept in full sunlight to promote blooming, but in summer, it is important to provide shade and cool the plants, placing them under the shade of trees or on the east or north-facing balconies to avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves or even kill the plant.
In summer, it is also important not to overwater rhododendrons, keeping the soil moist. If these points are followed, rhododendrons are not as difficult to care for.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of why rhododendrons wither easily in summer and how to properly care for them. I hope it helps you.