Here is a comprehensive explanation of whether azaleas are easy to grow, how long their blooming period lasts, as well as related knowledge about azalea cultivation methods and precautions. Let's take a look together.
Why are azaleas difficult to grow? It turns out that these 4 aspects were not handled correctly.
When visiting the flower market in spring, you can see that each stall is full of beautiful azaleas, some in full bloom with vibrant flowers, and others budding with vitality, making it hard to resist the urge to buy. However, there is a deep concern about not being able to keep them alive after bringing them home, fearing that after a few days of viewing flowers, they will wither away.
Many flower enthusiasts say that azaleas are quite difficult to grow, and after buying them, they turn yellow and wither after a period of cultivation, approximately when the blooming period ends. Why is it so difficult to grow azaleas bought from the flower market? It's mainly because these 4 aspects were not properly managed.
First, not adapting to the environment
The azaleas we see in flower markets during winter and spring are already full of flower buds, some in full bloom. Most of these are cultivated in greenhouse greenhouses, which have higher requirements for the growth environment.
The greenhouse has strict requirements for temperature and humidity, and it is difficult for our homes to meet these requirements, so each time we buy them back, they start to wither after the flowers are finished.
Of course, not all greenhouse flowers are impossible to keep alive. After bringing them back, just place them in a warm environment, maintain the surrounding air humidity at around 70%, let them adapt to the new environment, and they can also be well-cared for.
Second, don't rush to repot
Many flowers bought from the market are grown in disposable plastic pots, and the potting soil is not very good. The first thing many flower enthusiasts do after buying them is to repot and replace the soil, thinking that this will make them grow stronger and enhance their ornamental value.
That type of disposable pot does need to be replaced, but it shouldn't be done immediately after buying. Because at this time, the plant has just moved to a new growth environment and has not fully adapted, which means it is in a weak state. Repotting again at this time could accidentally damage the roots, not only causing flower and bud drop but also making it difficult for the plant to adapt to the new pot.
It's best to place it in a warm, humid, and well-ventilated environment for a while, and only after the plant has adapted to the new environment and started to grow normally, should you repot and replace the soil, which will help it adapt well.
Is azalea easy to grow? How long does its blooming period last?
Third, avoid direct sunlight
Azaleas are plants that prefer semi-shade and are afraid of being exposed to strong sunlight, especially the azaleas cultivated in greenhouses, whose leaves are very tender. After being exposed to strong sunlight, they will show symptoms such as yellowing leaves and dry, crispy leaves, and in severe cases, they will have a large number of yellowing leaves, defoliation, or even the entire plant will wither.
Those azaleas just bought should not be placed in direct sunlight. Instead, they can be placed in a semi-shaded environment and moved out to receive some scattered light on sunny days.
Those azaleas that are in the stage of growing flower buds should not be kept away from sunlight for too long, as this will also affect the growth of the flower buds and cause them to fall. They can be exposed to sunlight in the morning and evening or placed in a low-light environment for care.
Fourth, do not water frequently
In the process of growing azaleas, some problems are caused by improper watering. Azaleas are also afraid of waterlogging. Frequent watering will make the potting soil always moist and not dry, preventing the roots from performing normal respiration. Keeping the potting soil moist for a long time can lead to root suffocation, yellowing, and falling leaves.
When watering azaleas, first check the moisture level of the potting soil, at least let the surface of the soil dry, or insert a bamboo skewer into the potting soil to see if the inner soil is also close to drying before watering.
For those newly bought azaleas, do not water excessively as long as the potting soil is not dry. Wait until the soil dries before watering. You can use a spray bottle to spray water mist around the potted plant to increase the humidity of the air environment, providing a good growth environment.
In summary: Although azaleas are difficult to grow, they are not impossible. As long as you pay attention to the above 4 aspects of care after buying them and help the plant adapt to the new growth environment as soon as possible, the care process will be much simpler.
The sharing above about whether azaleas are easy to grow, how long their blooming period lasts, and related knowledge about azalea cultivation methods and precautions can hopefully bring you some help in your daily life!