How to Care for Azaleas in Autumn
If you want to learn how to care for azaleas in autumn and the key points for autumn maintenance of azaleas, the following article introduces the topic for netizens.
The bud growth of azaleas enters a critical period in autumn. If you don't pay attention to adjusting the maintenance methods now, the flowering in spring will not achieve the desired effect. So, how should azaleas be cared for in autumn? First, gradually increase sunlight exposure, reduce the shading time at noon; supplement nutrients, reduce nitrogen fertilizer, and apply more phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer; thin out some flower buds, leaving only the top ones. Let's discuss this in detail below.
I. Gradually Increase Sunlight
As autumn approaches, temperatures begin to drop everywhere. We can let the azaleas gradually receive direct sunlight. Initially, they can be exposed to sunlight in the morning and afternoon, still shading at noon, then slowly reduce the shading time at noon to increase sunlight exposure. When the temperature at noon is below 25°C, the azaleas can be exposed to full sunlight. However, be careful not to move the azaleas directly from the shade to direct sunlight, as this can easily cause the plants to wilt.
II. Supplement Nutrients
After experiencing the high temperatures of summer, azaleas have consumed a lot of nutrients. Starting in September, you can begin applying a thin layer of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer to allow the flower buds to continue growing. At this time, do not apply nitrogen fertilizer to azaleas, as excessive foliage will prevent the formation of flower buds. Apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizer every 15 days, for two to three times. If the temperature is not very low at this time, you can apply a compound fertilizer again to allow the plants to continue growing.
III. Thin Out Flower Buds
Azaleas develop flower buds quite quickly, but if there are too many buds, it can lead to a significant consumption of nutrients, which may result in smaller buds, bud drop during the middle stage, or small flowers. In autumn, we should剪去 (remove) the buds in the leaf axils, leaving only the top buds, allowing nutrients to be concentrated in the upper part, resulting in full and plump flowers.
The above[] introduces how to care for azaleas in autumn and the related content of autumn maintenance tips for azaleas, for the reference of green plant enthusiasts, hoping to solve your problems in green plant and flower management.