Transplantation and aftercare are among the most labor-intensive procedures. Once it comes to this, every gardener faces a difficult test that can ruin the plant. Transplanting an azalea at home is a labor-intensive procedure - both for the flower and for the gardener. Our goal is to tell you how to do this correctly. The article will discuss the following questions: when is it better to replant a plant, how to choose a pot and soil, how to care for the plant.
It is best to replant an azalea after flowering - in the spring. It is not advisable to test a flower during flowering and budding. Otherwise, the plant may shed leaves, flowers and buds, and it will be very difficult to remove it from this state.
Choosing a new container and soil
The soil and pot play an important role in replanting. The features of the root system and their microflora, which help the plant to fully nourish itself, should be taken into account when choosing a container and soil. The substrate should have a pH of 4.5–5.5 - this is exactly the acidity of the soil that rhododendrons require. Soil for azaleas can be purchased at specialized stores or made yourself.
What do you need for a homemade composition? You will need 1 part peat and 2 parts rotted pine needles. Or an equal amount of peat, humus, sand, turf and leaf soil and 5 parts of coniferous land. Or you can do this: 1 part sand, 1 part dried and crushed sphagnum moss, 2 parts rotted pine needles. Select new pot for azalea, based on the size of the old one, but only 5 cm higher, wide and shallow. You can choose either a flowerpot or any other pot that suits the parameters.
Step by step instructions
The first layer should be drainage drying, approximately 3 cm, in the form of broken shards. Sprinkle pine bark on top, which will increase the acidity of the soil, and then sprinkle with prepared soil. You can add special products to prevent the development of fungus and rot. Remove all unnecessary things: dry branches, buds, etc.
The azalea, together with the formed earthen lump of roots, is dipped into boiled or filtered water with special biostimulants for plants. This will not remove all the earth, but it will cleanse it of excess salts. In order for the transshipment to be successful, for better absorption of moisture, it is necessary to make 0.5 cm cuts in the coma of earth on top, bottom and sides - this will allow the plant to be saturated necessary elements to settle down in a new land.
Having gotten rid of a certain amount of soil, the plant is ready for replanting. After allowing the water to drain, place the plant in the center of the selected pot, and then sprinkle the roots with an even amount of soil. We compact it a little. We replant so that the root collar does not go deep into the ground.
If the bush is too large, it is divided. To do this, you need to cut the earthen ball into several parts. The bushes are placed in separate pots.
Further care
Home care involves helping to restore the plant. The plant should be placed in a warm, bright place, protected from direct exposure to the sun and drafts. Water with the same water in which the plant settled. Water again after 4 days. The plant should be kept in such a place protected from the sun for approximately 12 days. A flower that is weak after replanting can be treated again with biostimulants. You can also look for other means for these purposes.
Transplanting an azalea after purchase has some differences from a regular azalea transplant. It is better not to replant a purchased azalea immediately. Let the plant adapt for some time. You also need to pay attention to the fact that azaleas are often sold in bloom.
As was written earlier, they cannot be replanted during this period. But if or if the pot becomes too small, as an exception, you can transplant into new soil and a pot. This is done carefully to lightly clean the earthen lump around the root. Care is the same as stated earlier. A well and correctly transplanted plant will bloom for a long time and delight the gardener.
Now you know how to replant an azalea at home.
Video “Transplanting azaleas”
From this video you will learn how to properly replant an azalea.
Azalea is a rather special flower for home gardening. Even from the moment you chose it in a flower shop, it will urgently require close and almost constant attention to itself, as well as especially careful care.
But there is no reason to worry. Thoughtful care for azaleas at home will not allow this to happen. beautiful plant die. On the contrary, it will actively grow and delight its owner with beautiful and lush flowering. The main thing is to know what to do and not make fatal mistakes.
One of the features of azaleas is the rather unusual microflora around the roots. If its integrity is violated, the flower may die. We can say that a delicate root system is weak point azaleas. Therefore, in this regard, you should be very careful with the plant. Especially when moving from one pot to another.
But there is no doubt that this article will tell you in detail how to care for azaleas at home after purchase.
How are azaleas kept in stores?
In large and small shops that sell flowers, any plants are always brought from so-called nurseries. Most flower growers - both amateurs and professionals - know that this flower itself is quite capricious in terms of care. Manufacturers artificially prepare azaleas for flowering and subsequent sale.
In these nurseries, flowers are treated with special synthetic agents that put the plant into a kind of sleep. The flower looks quite presentable for sale, and can bloom for several months, thanks to the fact that it received special fertilizers at the nursery. Often the soil is even overfed with them.
However, the azalea root system, which we have already mentioned, does not develop in any way, because, in fact, it sleeps. Therefore, the plant, in the end, often gets sick - the roots of the flower die from the fungus. This is considered one of the main reasons why new owners do not even have time to properly begin caring for azaleas at home after purchase.
Most popular variety For indoor floriculture, the variety of evergreen Indian azalea is considered. The buds boast a variety of shapes and colors.
There are some details that can affect the cost of a flower:
- Its variety is a garden or indoor azalea;
- The size of the plant itself and the roots - accordingly, the larger, the more expensive;
- How many buds does a flower have?
Most online stores have consultants who will not only help you choose suitable flower or decide on a variety, but they will also be able to tell you everything you are interested in about caring for azaleas at home.
How to prevent a flower from dying
When you have made a long-awaited purchase and brought an azalea to her new home, do not rush to take it out of the store packaging. It is better to leave the plant alone for about half an hour so that the flower gets used to the microclimate of the apartment.
It is important to decide on the permanent location of the plant. Here are some recommendations:
- A space with good lighting, but without direct sunlight;
- Coolness – approximately +16-18;
- Humidified air.
It is very important to examine the soil of the azalea - to do this, you need to remove it from the flowerpot. In stores, they often fill the flower with water to make it look fresher.
What to do if the soil is too wet:
- Remove the flower from its pot and wrap the roots and soil with paper that absorbs moisture well;
- Repeat this action until the soil is sufficiently dry, but this must be done extremely carefully due to the fragility of the roots.
If the plant is too dry:
- It needs to be placed in a container of water directly in the pot for about sixty minutes. The water should reach the edges of the pot;
- Then you need to take out the flower and allow the excess moisture to leave - to do this, place the pot in a saucer or a special tray lined with expanded clay so that the soil and liquid no longer combine;
- You should not replant the flower immediately, especially if the flowering period has begun.
Adaptation to a new room
You can be sure that the azalea has fully adapted only when, after moving from the flower shop to the home windowsill, the plant fades and sprouts further shoots. During such a rather exciting period, you should care for the flower with all care. And carefully observe how he behaves.
Azalea does not like heat very much, so it is better to move the pot away from heating systems. In addition, they are very poorly affected by low humidity levels. The more coolness it gets during habituation, the greater the chances that the flower will remain alive.
There is also no need to rush with fertilizers. While in the nursery, the azalea is placed in already overfed soil so that the flower can live quietly until it reaches the store counter.
If you follow all these rules, all you have to do is wait.
A special spray called “Epin” can help with habituation. This substance is a special biostimulant for indoor plants.
Its action helps the plant to reveal its own protective functions, increases the level of immunity and resistance to stress. The instructions for use can be read on the packaging, and spray about once every ten days.
What care should I provide to the purchased plant?
First of all, the azalea needs to get used to the new environment where it found itself after the store. Caring for azaleas at home after purchase is actually quite troublesome. Due to its very capricious nature, a flowering and fragrant plant just yesterday may lose its buds and leaves in just two or three days.
If the leaves begin to fall and the plant rapidly loses its luxurious look, this can be called a harbinger of the death of a flower. That is why, before buying an azalea, you need to be prepared for something like this and remember exactly how to act in such a case.
In order for the newly acquired azalea to delight your eyes with its beauty and lush blooms for a long time, it is extremely important to strictly follow the basic rules of care.
Please note that after purchasing the azalea, it is advised to transship it. But you shouldn’t replant it right away.
Transshipment is quite easy to do:
- You need to carefully remove the plant from the store pot along with a lump of earth;
- Move it along with the soil to a new spacious flowerpot;
- Close empty space special mixture;
- Try not to over-wet the soil.
How to save a newly purchased flower? Under what conditions will azalea be able to more easily adapt to a new environment?
The roots also require special inspection. Symbiont mushrooms live on its roots, which provide the azalea with nutrition. In soil with a high alkali level, these symbionts die. And, as is easy to understand, the plant too. This is why flower roots should not be washed.
The substrate mixture should be acidic and allow water and air. It is better to buy soil already prepared for this flower. It is recommended to replant young flowers every year. And when the plant has matured, then once every two to three years. The top layers of soil are replaced, trying not to affect the fragile roots.
Temperature
The most favorable temperature for the growth and development of azalea flowers will be from +10 to +15. It's okay if the temperature is a little higher. The main thing is that it does not exceed +20. But during the summer heat it is quite difficult to provide the plant with such a regime. At the same time, during the summer season, azaleas go into hibernation.
To support vitality plants, outdoor shade is also perfect. If there is such a possibility, great solution will bury the flower in the ground right along with the pot. But first, it will be useful to pull nylon tights or stockings over the potty. This is necessary to prevent pests from attacking the plant. Experienced flower growers they say that pests really like the earthen mixture for this color.
As the fall season approaches, buds begin to form. It will be useful to lower the temperature level for the flower to +6 degrees. And when the flowers appear and begin to bloom, you can raise the degrees to +15. Remember - the cooler the azaleas are, the longer the flowering will last.
Azalea does not tolerate hot weather. But under no circumstances should you water it. cold water! This risks causing fungus to develop. In summer, the pot can be lined with ice cubes. This will not only protect the plant from the heat, but will also add humidity to the air.
Humidity level
This is one of the most important factors. Dry air can simply kill a flower.
Here's what you can do to keep humidity at the proper level:
- Choose a deep tray for the pot;
- Cover the tray with pebbles and moss;
- Make sure there is moisture in the pan;
- Spray the leaves during flowering;
When spraying with a spray bottle, try to keep the droplets small.
Lighting
Azalea really just loves bright light. At the same time, she should not be hit directly sun rays- this can make her wither. Excellent for azaleas the room will do, located in the northern or western part of the apartment.
You can place the flower in the southern room, but then it is better not to place it on the windowsill. Good way out will buy a special stand and place it near the window.
How to water correctly
As with any plant, water is a very important detail that saves them from withering.
For home flowers, the following are of great importance:
- Water quality;
- Temperature level;
- Frequency and abundance of watering.
Never water your azalea with cold or even ice water! An unexpected change in temperature conditions can become a real stress for the flower.
To the point that this can serve as some kind of signal for the plant that autumn has already arrived. And then the azalea will shed both flowers and leaves. Ideal for azaleas is water at the same temperature as the flower itself.
Only soft water is needed. It would be better to boil the water first, then let it cool. It is also important to water only with the top layers of water in the container, trying to prevent sediment from getting into the soil.
If you water the soil with regular water, the soil will change from acidic to alkaline because it contains a lot of mineral salts. After boiling, they become the aforementioned sediment. To acidify the soil a little more, you can add three drops of juice to a liter of water.
If you bury your azalea in the street soil during the summer, rain will only benefit it.
This plant will not be able to tolerate drought. If you notice that the leaves or flowers have begun to droop, this is the first signal that the flower needs to be watered immediately. Nothing like this should happen. It is better to maintain the moisture content of the soil mixture at normal levels. Excess liquid can also harm fragile roots, and they can begin to rot.
This plant loves water, so it’s a good idea to water it abundantly. Typically it should be watered every other day. But if the air in the room where you placed it is dry (this happens especially often in winter period), then it will be better to water every day.
You need to water the plant from above, and it is better to drain excess water from the pan. As you probably already understood, you need to monitor the soil moisture so that the leaves do not start to fall.
"First aid" for azalea
What should never be allowed:
- Droughts;
- Heat;
- Excess moisture;
- Direct exposure to sunlight.
- Sudden change in temperature;
What to do if the plant begins to wither:
- Inspect the soil in the flowerpot;
- Moisten if necessary;
- Monitor air humidity;
- The location may not be the most suitable - move the plant to a cooler place, away from sunlight.
If the azalea begins to shed its leaves, this is most likely the first signal that the plant is beginning to die. What to do:
Azalea is a very demanding and capricious plant. It requires not only care in accordance with all the rules, but also a lot of attention. It often happens that even after all the rescue operations, the azalea cannot be brought back to life. Therefore, it is better to monitor the flower every day than to bring it to such a state and then frantically try to save it.
If you properly and carefully care for your flower, it will delight you with its luxurious flowering for many years.
An inexperienced gardener will probably find that azaleas take a lot of time and bring a lot of trouble. But in practice, all these rules gradually become a habit that will only bring pleasant emotions.
Basic recommendations for complete or partial replanting of azaleas (after purchase, end of flowering, etc.). A gorgeously blooming small tree that sometimes even the greenery is barely visible under the splendor of flowers... After the indoor azalea has faded, it needs to be replanted.
A complete transplant of azaleas at home is carried out only once, after purchase - according to all the rules. Subsequently, if there are no other reasons, everything in a row, planted azaleas and old specimens, only move from year to year, increasing the volume of the pot.
If you don’t have enough experience, it’s better to buy one azalea in a pot; over time, you’ll get a well-developed plant. Of course, if several bushes grow in one flowerpot, then after the azalea has finished flowering, during replanting in the spring, they will have to be divided and planted.
If you leave them to grow in one container, then as they grow, one bush can have a bad effect on the others. For example, one person’s roots may begin to rot, followed by neighboring plants, someone is lagging behind in development, the flowering is not so lush, and thickening interferes.
Young azalea plants are replanted annually after flowering, older ones - after 2-3 years. For some reason, the azalea is flooded, the pot is small or other force majeure circumstances, just transfer it, having first lightly cleaned the lump.
What do azalea roots look like when you remove the plant from the pot?
It should be taken into account that the azalea lump is like a sponge; it is not possible to shake it off or clean it. The roots are thin and superficial; they must be divided with great care, even using a sharp knife.
Purchased azaleas most often grow in transport peat soil, which tends to be pressed, firmly growing to the fibrous roots, which is not always convenient when dividing. In addition, such soil does not contain nutrients.
Preparing for planting - choosing a suitable container and soil for azaleas...
As utensils, use wide clay or plastic pots, vases or containers, a little larger size than the previous one.
If you pour drainage 3-5 cm high at the bottom of the pot, then the container should be higher by the same centimeters and, accordingly, wider. You can put crushed pine bark on top of the drainage to increase the acidity of the soil, which is so necessary for azaleas.
We choose slightly acidic soil, pH 4.0-5.0, which is designed specifically for azaleas. It's better to buy a full-fledged one in the store nutrient soil marked “Azalea” or “Rhododendron”, adding raising agents, since it will be difficult to make it yourself.
Heather soil is suitable; it is highly acidic, very light, loose, and quite nutritious. Can be replaced with a mixture of pine needles and high-moor peat (2:3) with the addition of a small amount of river sand and leaf soil (1:1).
Mix with vermiculite or perlite, it is needed to make the soil more loose, air- and moisture-permeable. Some add charcoal, crumble sphagnum there for disinfection. Whenever replanting azaleas, it is a good idea to add trichodermin to the soil mixture - against various fungi and rots.
We have at our disposal all the necessary kit for transplantation. It can be useful when soaking roots (as a growth stimulator), zircon or epin, trichodermin and other related materials.
Proper replanting of azaleas has a beneficial effect on growth and flowering.
It is customary to replant azaleas in the spring along with pruning, when new plant growth begins. I did not trim the bushes after flowering, since the plant is not tall, I simply removed the faded inflorescences. A week after transplanting, I lightly trimmed the branches.
In the photo: the azalea is divided into several parts and is already prepared for planting...
I simply did it, soaked the lump in water for a while, since it turned out to be completely dry inside. After it was soaked, I squeezed it lightly with my hands like a sponge, let the moisture drain a little, and carefully cut it into 7 pieces with a sharp knife. There were so many bushes in the pot. I trimmed the edges of the lumps a little and planted each one in a separate pot.
If the azalea flower does not need to be divided into bushes, it is replanted using the transshipment method. Before soaking, cut the lump from the bottom by 1 cm with scissors, make longitudinal cuts from top to bottom along the entire circumference, 0.5 cm deep, slightly gutting the earthen lump and transfer it to a new flowerpot.
All this is done so that the roots can more easily master the new soil. Otherwise, they will not germinate without receiving nutrients, they will dry out and the azalea will die.
When replanting azaleas, the overgrown roots of old bushes are cut off.
A more radical way of trimming the earthen ball around by one third is to create something like an egg. We gut the segment with scissors, as if clearing out peat. It seems to us that there are solid roots there, but this is not so. Soak the remaining lump for a short time in any solution (root, zircon, epin), let the moisture drain, and plant it in a mixture for azaleas with perlite.
The transplant was carried out in April - azalea flowers began to appear in July, replacing one bud with another, now it is already mid-September - see photo. However, the purchased azalea bloomed in winter.
If after purchasing the azalea blooms, then you need to wait until the end of flowering and only then will we begin to prepare the plant for replanting.
If you have ever seen an azalea in bloom, then you will agree how beautiful it is to see. Blooming azalea brings the soft colors of summer into the house, when many plants are dormant during this period.
Bloom early varieties azaleas last from December to January. Flowering of middle and late azaleas is from January to March. Late varieties bloom from February to April. But, unfortunately, the duration of azalea flowering is not long and the time comes when it sheds its beautiful flowers, and the question arises: how to care for the plant after it has bloomed? Let's discuss this issue.
First, you should collect dry flowers with stalks that have not yet fallen. Next, you need to carefully separate the dried leaves. Let's leave it at that for now. After some time, leaves will begin to appear on the new shoots, after which you need to pinch the top of the shoot.
Pinching is the mechanical removal of the growth point of a young shoot.
Pinching is very important for of this plant, this method will increase the intensity of flowering. Azaleas should be pinched about 3 times a year, from May to the end of July. Young buds will appear at the tips of the shoots and your goal is to produce as many shoots as possible.
You should not let them grow too much; try to form a lush crown for your plant. Without pinching, the azalea will look like a bush, deprived of aesthetic appeal, and you will rarely see it bloom. Next comes pruning the azalea.
Azalea pruning
Pruning is very important for this plant. Azaleas should be trimmed in a timely manner, as this affects the intensity of flowering. An excessive amount of greenery on the shoots will interfere with the appearance of new buds. Azaleas should be pruned every spring after they finish blooming.
Use sharp knife or pruning shears. Disinfect them with alcohol. To begin with, you should cut off long shoots exceeding average length all escapes. Next, you need to trim off shoots that grow too thick.
Weak shoots that do not grow well can also be removed. The more shoots you cut, the more leafy they will become. The main thing is not to overdo it. After pruning, use rannet paste to disinfect the cut area. New leaves will appear within a couple of weeks.
Pruning makes it possible to form a crown; the most popular is a spherical crown with a bare trunk (this is how the azalea will resemble a small tree). After pruning, you should leave the plant alone until replanting.
P.s. If you have a young plant, you should form a crown from an early age. The most difficult stage in the process of caring for a plant is replanting the plant after flowering.
Flower transplant
This stage is quite difficult. If you have seen at least once in your life root system azaleas, then you will understand what we mean. The process of replanting an azalea requires a lot of patience. The first and most important thing to remember is that you cannot replant the plant in winter, as there is a high chance of losing the plant.
After the azalea has finished blooming, you can start replanting or transshipping it. A good time for replanting it will be the time of growth of young branches.
First you need to select the soil. The soil mixture for the plant can be purchased at the store; its cost is approximately 30-50 rubles. If you have the opportunity and desire, you can prepare it at home, yourself. For this you will need: leaf, coniferous, heather and peat soil. It should be mixed based on calculations (1:2:1:1).
Fine-grained river sand can be used as a baking powder. The resulting mixture should be well drained. If you are transplanting a flower for the first time, it is better to buy an earthen mixture in the store; it is not expensive. Next, let's proceed to choosing a pot.
There are no special requirements here; you can take clay, ceramic or plastic, at your discretion. The only thing worth noting is that if you had a wide pot, take the same one. The main thing is that it should be one size larger than the previous one. Let's move on.
To transplant an azalea we will need:
- A basin with clean warm water.
- Garden pruners or scissors.
- Priming.
- Drainage (expanded clay can be used).
At the bottom of the pot, pour a layer of drainage about 2 - 3 centimeters high. Next, carefully remove the flower from the pot. So you saw what kind of root system an azalea has! Then we immerse the plant in a bowl of water for half an hour. After that we take it out. If not enough soil has separated from the roots, add more.
You should continue until no more than a third of the earth has been washed away. To speed up this long process, you can water the lump with a watering can. Be sure to wash the ground for the last time clean water. If you are done with removing a third of the soil, take a close look at the root system. If there are rotten roots and other ailments, eliminate them.
After this, immerse the plant in the pot and carefully cover it with new soil. You should not fill the flower above the level that existed before replanting, otherwise you can fill up the root collar. If you think that your soil is still good, not affected by fungus, mold or other diseases, then simply reload.
It is not as painful and is more favorably tolerated by the flower. If you are replanting for the first time, then it is better to do a transshipment; when you have enough experience, study the nature of your plant, and replant.
Having finished replanting, you should water the azalea with zircon to build up the roots. Place the plant in a warm place, avoiding direct sunlight.
You can start watering only on day 3, adding zircon. If the flower is developing well, you can return to your normal flower watering schedule. An overloaded or transplanted plant cannot be watered with fertilizers for about two months.
So, we learned how to care for a flower after flowering. From now on, all your efforts will not be in vain.
Video: Azalea care after flowering
Azalea is a garden and indoor plant. Belongs to the genus Rhododendron. In winter, the flower blooms profusely, so it is in great demand among gardeners.
We opened culture in the end. XVIII–beg. XIX century in England. Then the Dutch botanist Jacob Breinius discovered the plant. He brought it home, but the flower died without taking root. After a while, the scientist Conners repeated his attempt to grow an azalea, but was unsuccessful. In the beginning In the 19th century, Captain Welbank brought a flower from India, and it took root. With the help of breeders, today the flower industry market has collected many varieties and species of plants that amaze with their beauty.
In its natural environment, the culture grows in China, North America, Japan, southeast Asia. Only two types of flowers are grown in pots: Japanese ( frost-resistant variety, can be planted in the ground after flowering) and Indian (characterized by small leaves and is often grown in room conditions).
The adaptation period for azaleas after the store
For a plant to grow well, it needs to get used to new conditions. To do this, the gardener inspects the soil for the presence of mold. If there is a disease, the flower is treated with anti-fungal drugs. Next, the azalea is accustomed to a different habitat.
Quarantine condition
Having brought home a crop, which, by the way, is finicky to grow, you cannot add it to existing pets in the house. Even if an azalea looks beautiful, this does not mean that the plant is healthy and is not in danger. To do this, the flower is placed in a separate room, creating a quarantine for at least two weeks. If after a while no problems arise, the plant is placed with the rest of the green mass.
Do I need to replant an azalea?
Changing the soil and flowerpot is necessary if necessary. A three-year-old crop is replanted once a year. If the plant is older, the procedure is done 2 times a year. The flower is replanted when the roots grow profusely or the soil rots. Immediately after purchase, it is better not to disturb the flower for as long as possible. First there must be an adaptation period.When to replant an azalea
Usually the flower is replanted in the spring. Before cleaning the above-ground part, remove dry branches and leaves. During transplantation, you must not damage the roots; if possible, completely replace the old substrate with a new one.
Choosing a pot and substrate
For flowers, give preference to deep and wide flowerpots. Speaking about the material of the pots, clay and plastic containers are suitable for azaleas.
Caring for indoor azaleas after purchase
Growing a plant at home requires certain skills. It is not always possible to “defeat” a flower. The culture is capricious and finicky. Quite often, after acquisition, the plant drops flowers. To achieve repeated flowering, the gardener needs to try.Temperature, humidity and lighting
Comfortable temperature for azalea is 10-15C. In other words, cool. During the winter period when the plant blooms necessary conditions easy to provide. Excellent choice there will be a window sill isolated from batteries.
For rhododendron, the most crucial period is the formation of buds. At this time, the temperature should be at 6-8C. To achieve the required temperature, sometimes they even manage to put the azalea in the refrigerator. I would like to highlight that this method helps restore a weakened plant. During flowering, the temperature rises to 12-15C.
Like most indoor plants, rhododendron loves rich, diffused light.
The next important factor for a flower is high humidity air. At home, this rule is difficult to follow, so the plant is constantly sprayed with a spray bottle. Do not allow large drops of water to fall on the flower. Otherwise it will become stained.
How to water an azalea
When growing a plant, watering plays an important role. The main thing is to maintain the correct balance of substrate moisture. The soil in the flowerpot should always be moist. It is unacceptable to overdry the soil, otherwise the flower will shed its leaves and flowers.
When watering the crop, use soft water. You can take snow or rain. Azalea reacts well to water mixed with lemon or apple cider vinegar(just add a few drops to the water).
Feeding and fertilizer
If you want to fertilize the crop, which is done only during the flowering period, it is best to buy prepared mixtures in specialized stores. Fertilizers are applied according to instructions. The most famous drugs are: Epin, Zircon, Ecogel-anti-stress, Ferovit, HB-101, Fitosporin-M.
Rules for caring for azaleas after flowering
Plants usually rest after flowering. Many gardeners believe that at this time you can relax, but this is a misconception.
After flowering, the azalea needs to be trimmed, replanted, formed a crown, and pinched. First of all, all dried leaves, buds, and flowers are removed from the plant. The crop is replanted after flowering, from the moment young branches grow. If you have little experience, it is recommended to do the transshipment first, so as not to disturb the root system of the flower. The peculiarity of the procedure is to wash away the soil from the roots. You cannot wash the roots too much, so as not to remove all the beneficial microorganisms from them.
Formation of "Bonsai" from azalea
In home floriculture, it is popular to grow bonsai trees without side shoots. Creating a crown for a flower in the form small tree with a thick trunk and fluffy top will require a lot of effort. This form is not inherent in nature for the plant. Let us remind you that bonsai is also made from Crassula. In other words, from varieties with miniature flowers and leaves.To make a rhododendron bonsai, you need to form a crown from the first year of the flower’s life. The plant must be young. This will take more than one year. The number of trimmings will be required at least five.
The first pruning involves selecting the main massive shoot from which the trunk of the future bonsai will be formed. The side branches are cut off completely. For the first 12 months, the top is not cut off. Thus, the azalea grows upward quickly. Important point Stage 1 - formation of the stem, growing its length. To ensure that the main shoot is straight, it is attached to a support, constantly turning different sides towards the light. When the rhododendron melts required height, the top is cut off. Then all efforts are directed towards creating the top. It can be pyramidal, round, elongated.
How to propagate azalea at home
Having learned all the rules and nuances for caring for azaleas, you need to practice your skills in propagating the plant. The crop is propagated by cuttings, seeds, grafting, and dividing the bush. The seed method is usually used by professional gardeners to propagate new varieties. All other methods are available to inexperienced gardeners.
The most common method of propagating azaleas indoors is cuttings. In spring, a cutting of 5-8 cm is cut from a flower. The cut is treated with a drug that stimulates root growth. For rooting, a peat mixture and coniferous substrate are used. The pagon is planted vertically to a depth of 2 cm. It is covered with a transparent container and cellophane on top to create greenhouse effect. The sprout is grown at a temperature of 25C, constantly moistening the soil.
Grafting a flower is carried out by selecting a side shoot with a bud and a pair of leaves on it. An incision is made under the kidney. The cuttings are pressed to the ground and pinned with a staple. Soil is poured on top. After the shoot takes root, it is carefully separated from the bush and replanted.
When choosing a method of propagating rhododendron by dividing the bush, take big flower and carefully, without damaging the root system, it is divided into small parts. Each part is planted in a separate pot. A new azalea requires the same care as an adult flower.
Difficulties in growing azaleas
Like many other indoor plants, growing a flower can be accompanied by a number of difficulties. All of them appear due to insufficient lighting, incorrect temperature and watering, incorrectly selected substrate or fertilizing. The main azalea diseases are tracked by the following characteristics:
Read again about the rules for growing the crop and caring for it at home and your beautiful azalea will delight you with its flowering for many years.
Pests of indoor flowers
Azalea is a frequent unexpected guest. It appears when there is a lack of moist air and watering. A cobweb forms on the stems of the plant, the buds wither and fall off. They fight the “enemy” with the help of soap solution and washing the flower under a warm shower.
Caring for azaleas at home requires special skills and abilities. In order for a flower to grow well after purchase, you need to have complete information on growing the crop. This will require the gardener’s constant attention and observation of the flower.