Azalea is very popular among many gardeners. Despite this, some people don’t even know how to care for an azalea in a pot so that it doesn’t disappear? How can it be propagated? What are the requirements for the premises? Let's consider all these questions in more detail.
What does azalea like?
- a very whimsical plant that requires special care. Every gardener should remember that this flower loves:
- bright, but at the same time diffused light;
- regular abundant watering;
- loose and at the same time acidic substrate;
- relatively low air temperature in the room where it is located.
Let's talk about all the subtleties in more detail.
How to care
Full care itself begins immediately after she is placed in a new habitat. You need to understand that azalea is not only capricious, but at the same time a persistent plant. If it is planted correctly in a pot and the necessary climatic conditions are created, gardeners in reviews say that half the battle is done.
Key lighting requirements
As has already been said, home flower azalea loves bright, but not direct sunlight. For this reason, she needs to find just such a place. If the weather outside is dry and warm, at this time you can take it out to the balcony, but at the same time provide a little shade so that it does not dry out. 
Temperature features
Domestic azaleas are very demanding on stable temperature conditions, so their main enemies are considered to be heat and stuffiness.
It is worth remembering that the formation of buds for further flowering begins at temperatures within 6-10ºС. Provide such temperature regime required between October and December.
After the buds begin to bloom, the temperature must be raised to 17 degrees Celsius. If, at the beginning of flowering, the temperature, for some reason, drops, on the contrary, in reviews, lovers say that the azalea will be able to bloom a little longer.
Key rules for high-quality safe watering
Surely everyone who has this flower does not want to care for a sick azalea. For this reason, it is necessary to regularly inspect the soil to ensure that there is adequate moisture in the pot.
Under no circumstances should a dry coma occur.
However, we must not forget that overwatering is also not recommended. For this reason, all water that has reached the pan must be drained.
The water itself deserves special attention. Before watering the flower with it, you must let it sit for at least 2 days, and also be sure to boil it.
During the flowering period, it is possible to water the azalea with tap water without prior boiling and settling.
Selection of the required soil
Azalea is a plant that loves acidic soil. It is simply impossible to create such a substrate at home, so it is better to go to a flower shop and buy it. This counts the best option, which allows you to minimize the risk of various bacteria entering the soil.
Is fertilizer necessary?
azalea It is recommended to feed with mineral fertilizers and only specialized ones. It is highly undesirable to use a homemade solution, as this will have an extremely negative impact on flowering: possible yellowing, damage to the roots.
Reproduction
This plant can reproduce in the following ways:
- seed;
- cuttings;
- or by dividing the bush and grafting.
It is worth noting that by seed method propagation is used exclusively by professionals who are trying to develop a new variety.
If we talk about propagation by cuttings, then it is very popular at home. Propagation is carried out by half-woody stem cuttings. This is due to the fact that a fresh green cutting is prone to quickly disappearing, while a woody cutting, despite a long period of growth, still takes root.
You can start cutting cuttings in mid-winter, but to achieve the best effect, it is still recommended to carry out these manipulations in the spring, preferably in March.
To achieve quick and high-quality rooting, it is best to use substrates such as sphagnum peat or coniferous soil. It must be remembered that only cut cuttings must be treated with special root formation stimulants (these can be purchased at any flower shop). When planting, they are deepened into the ground to a depth of 1-2.5 centimeters. After planting, it is necessary to cover the cuttings glass jar or plastic film. Do not forget about regular watering and spraying.
For the growth of cuttings, the ideal temperature is considered to be about 25 degrees Celsius, with rooting itself occurring within 3-5 weeks.
If we talk about propagation by dividing a bush, then here we have small nuance: This method can be used if the plant is at least 3-4 years old. Due to the fact that the azalea root system is very thin, it must be separated with extreme caution so as not to harm it or kill the plant. 
Errors in care
Many gardeners, especially amateurs, make many mistakes that can threaten the extinction of azaleas. The main mistakes in care are considered to be:
- constant rotation of the pot;
- lack of necessary watering;
- watering with cold water;
- attempts to create mineral fertilizer on your own;
- improper manipulations during plant transplantation;
- keeping in a warm room with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius or more.
You should always remember these common mistakes so that you never make them, and then the azalea flower will please the eye for a long period.
Transplantation and care after purchase
Due to the fact that the azalea itself is capricious, after it is purchased in a store, it needs to be replanted. In this case, this is done through transshipment.
The transshipment process itself is as follows:
- An earthen ball is removed from the old pot along with the plant.. This transplantation option can protect the roots from possible mechanical damage.
- After the lump with the plant is placed in a new pot (it should be slightly larger in diameter than the previous one), sprinkled on top new soil.
It is strictly not recommended to water the plant abundantly, since in this case the flower dries out faster. Despite the fact that the roots themselves are in moist soil, the plant itself is susceptible to drying. This can lead to death.
In order for the plant to please the eyes of its owners for as long as possible, when replanting it is necessary to pay attention to such recommendations as:
- It is not advisable to perform a transplant in winter period. It would be better to do this when new shoots appear;
- before transplanting, you need to trim off all the buds that have already bloomed;
- Before replanting, it is necessary to carry out a visual inspection to ensure the removal of dry branches, leaves, and so on.
If all the manipulations are correct, new buds will begin to appear on the plant - this means that the azalea has taken root well and will soon delight you with its beautiful flowers.
Diseases and pests
The home azalea flower, like many other indoor plants, can become sick or become infected with pests.
By the symptoms you can find out the type of disease and solve this problem as soon as possible:
- the flower is falling off yellow leaves . This speaks of insufficient moisture or about excessive lighting. In this case, it is enough to create a small shadow (if the lighting is excessive) and, if necessary, water it;
- during the flowering period azalea suddenly begins to drop flowers– it is necessary to improve the quality of water, as well as use mineral supplements;
- start buds fall off, and cobwebs appear. The culprit is the tick. It can appear in rooms where the climate is dry and warm. It is enough to moisten the crown using the “spraying” method, and then rinse the plant under a thin stream of water;
- young leaves begin to curl up into a tube, the blooming flowers are slightly deformed or immediately fall off, the plant stops growing. In this case, the azalea was attacked by the most dangerous pest, the strawberry mite. It has the power to damage shoots, leaves, and even buds. To eradicate it, you must urgently contact a specialized flower shop and purchase a special solution. Otherwise, the plant will not live long.
It must be remembered that it is better to start treatment in a timely manner and not wait for a miracle. 
How to care
Many novice gardeners have no idea how to care for indoor azaleas. different times year, during the flowering period, and after. Let's consider all the options separately.
After the buds appear
During the period when buds appear, azalea is capricious about possible movements. For this reason, at the first appearance of buds, it is necessary to find her cozy place With good lighting. An excellent option would be to place the flower on a window facing southwest or southeast.
It is also necessary to remember that during this period the plant will not tolerate high temperatures (more than 18 degrees), so there is no need to place it near batteries.
When spraying, you must try not to get it on the buds, since in this case it loses its strength.
After flowering
The key point in caring for this plant is its timely and correct replanting. For this reason, as soon as the azalea fades, you should immediately begin replanting it.
It is worth noting that replanting is carried out once every 3 years for adult flowers, and at least once a year for young ones.
No other manipulations are required, except that you need to regularly monitor it and inspect it for possible dying branches. They need to be identified and trimmed in a timely manner.
Behind the standard azalea
To achieve pomp and abundant flowering For plants formed by a trunk, it is necessary to pinch the stems themselves. But at the same time, you must remember that you need to leave no more than 5 leaves on the branch.
The pruning itself is carried out in the summer (you can start from the end of May to mid-August).
The flower itself is formed in the form of a bush or a small tree. For this reason, the remaining cuttings after pruning should be rooted. If all care rules are followed, already in the second year it will delight you with its flowers.
in winter
In winter, this plant needs a bright and at the same time cool room with a temperature of 6-8 degrees Celsius. It is necessary to limit watering to 2 times a week so that the flower can produce flower buds.
In other cases, care is carried out in a standard manner.
Knowing all the subtleties, every gardener will know how to properly care for azaleas at home.
About the difficulties of care - in the video
The material from the Anna Flora blog explains the main difficult points in caring for a purchased azalea.
In the heather family there is an exotic flowering shrub called azalea. IN wildlife it grows in Asia, Europe and North America. The Japanese treat him in a special way. They call it the “lust-intoxicating” plant for its alluring and sensual aroma. Thanks to the work of breeders, azaleas are grown not only in botanical gardens and nurseries, but also at home, having come to terms with its capriciousness.
Purpose
The shrub branches heavily. It has lanceolate, elliptical, ovate leaves. They are pubescent on both sides. Depending on what type of azaleas they are, they may have single-colored flowers - white, pink, red, violet, purple, dark red - or variegated buds. They can be terry or simple.
Azalea is one of the plants that are picky and capricious. In warm regions it is grown in the garden, and in cold regions it is grown in the window. Flower growers breed it to enjoy unusually beautiful flowering.
A representative of the rhododendron genus is a valuable ornamental plant, which is formed as a standard tree or as a dwarf tree. It has a long flowering period. Florists use azaleas when making bouquets.
Caring for the plant after purchase
Whether the azalea will grow and bloom well depends on how the adaptation period goes. To ensure it goes well, they inspect it at home. Determine whether there are traces of mold on the ground. If they are present, treat the soil mixture antifungal drugs(“Fundazol”, “Fitosporin-M” paste, “Trichodermin”).
After inspecting the plant and making sure there is no fungus, the pot is placed to the north or east window. Shade it from direct sunlight
In a new place, where the temperature should be up to +18°C, the azalea should first have no “neighbors”: good appearance does not indicate its health and absence of pests. Support high humidity by spraying the flower with a spray bottle or placing a humidifier in close proximity to it.
To avoid infecting all indoor plants, The azalea is kept in quarantine for 14 days. If mites, whiteflies and aphids have not appeared during this time, move the pot to other crops.
Features of transplantation
When growing azaleas for sale, farms use chemical stimulants. Shrubs, planted in cardboard cups with a small amount of peat mixture, are treated with a synthetic substance called retardant, which puts them into a state of hibernation. In addition to them, long-acting fertilizers are added to the soil, thereby supporting flowering and fresh look azaleas for two to three months.
With this approach to growing, buds are obtained even on small shoots, but roots and leaves do not develop. After purchase, flower growers do not use these drugs.
To ensure that the azalea does not die in a couple of weeks and the root system develops normally, it is replanted at home, but after an adaptation period. In this case, do not wait until she sheds her buds. Some of the blossoming corollas and buds are torn off, and then the flower is transferred to a new substrate. Otherwise, he will experience severe and irreparable stress. For the same reason, replanting is carried out in the future after flowering.
Experienced flower growers The flower is not replanted in winter because it is dormant. All natural processes are inhibited for him. The right time for transplantation - resumption of vegetation processes. The best way– transferring the flower to new soil.
Preparation
The growth and appearance of buds on an azalea depend on how thoroughly the grower prepared for the transplant.
Soil selection and preparation
The optimal soil acidity level for azaleas is 3.5-5.5 pH. There are two ways to prepare it: buying ready-made soil for azaleas at a flower shop and self-cooking substrate.
Ready soil
Beginners in floriculture replant azaleas in store-bought soil: "Fasco", "Udmurttorf" or "Permagrobusiness". This method of transplantation is safe for the flower, but provided that, in addition to other components, the composition contains coniferous soil. Ready-made soil for azaleas has all the necessary components for healthy root development and flowering
Before purchasing, carefully study the label. If the substrate contains a complex of microelements and minerals, do not fertilize the flower for 2-3 months after transplantation. This soil mixture is suitable for an adult plant. To the land where nutrients few, young or multiplied ones are planted vegetative way flowers.
The date of manufacture can be determined by the inscriptions on the label. This information will not hurt if the gardener buys soil for future use: the fresher it is, the better.
Do-it-yourself soil preparation
Experienced gardeners plant azaleas in a soil mixture prepared independently. It should be crumbly to allow air to pass through to the root system. There are three recipes good soil:
- 1 part sand and peat, 2 parts coniferous soil;
- 1 part each of sand and leaf humus, 2 parts of humus from fallen needles of spruce, fir, larch, pine and 3 parts of peat collected during the decomposition of sphagnum moss or cotton grass with the participation of moisture;
- in equal proportions take special soil for azaleas, sphagnum moss, steamed bark, vermiculite, charcoal, perlite
Whatever method of preparing the substrate you choose, Before transplanting, remove all excess from it (twigs, pebbles, pieces of polyethylene) and disinfect it. To do this, use “Fitosporin”, fry it in the oven or steam it in a water bath for 30 minutes with periodic stirring. Without disinfecting it, they encounter plant damage by pests and fungal diseases.
Without taking care of the cleanliness of the soil in advance, you can either face the death of the flower or take a long time to treat it.
Selection of pot
Select it according to the size of the root system. It should be wider and larger than the previous one.
Step by step instructions
So that the azalea takes root in a new place and does not dry out, replant it in accordance with the sequence given below.
- Before transplanting, holes are made in the pot to drain water. A 3-5 cm drainage layer is placed on the bottom. To do this, use pebbles, gravel or broken shards. Pine bark is sprinkled on top to increase the acidity of the soil mixture, and prepared and disinfected soil.
- They take the azalea out of the old container. The soil mixture in it must be dry. If the container is plastic, it is easier to remove by denting the walls.
- After removal from the pot, the roots are trimmed one centimeter from the bottom, sides and at the root collar. To do this, scissors are disinfected in alcohol. This is done to improve access of water and oxygen to the roots. They also remove roots that are broken, rotten, or have become entrapped in old containers. The cut sites are processed folk remedies(crushed charcoal) or purchased biostimulants (“Kornevin” or “Heteroauxin”).
- Place the plant with a ball of roots in boiled or filtered water using a pitcher filter. A growth stimulator is added to it. After holding the flower in water, the old soil is partially removed. This is done to remove excess salt deposits.
To ensure that the transshipment goes well and the water is absorbed, cuts of 5 millimeters are made in the coma of earth - from below, from the side and from above. The beneficial components from the stimulant will permeate all parts of the plant.
- Take the azalea out of the water. Wait until all the water has drained.
- If necessary, the plant is divided. This is done if it has grown, or if they grow in the same pot. different types crops (during flowering they interfere with each other). The bushes are separated after cutting the roots.
- The bush is placed in the center of the new pot. The crown is trimmed, young shoots are pinched and several pairs of leaves are left. The roots are sprinkled with a pre-prepared soil mixture and gently compacted with your fingers. Make sure that there is no soil on the root collar - it should be at the same level with it.
- Water the plant with the solution that was used for soaking.
Aftercare
The growth, development and flowering of azaleas depend on whether the gardener has followed the steps step by step instructions or not, and whether he organized quality care for successful acclimatization.
After transplantation, the flower is placed on a window where there is enough sunlight . It is not placed on a south window, since it will die from the onslaught of direct sunlight; if there is nowhere to put it, they shade the azalea from them.
Capricious, but so beautiful and sincerely loved by everyone, azalea has been winning the hearts of lovers for a long time indoor plants in our country. Our climate and air humidity are not typical for her, which explains the need for special and enhanced care. As a reward for this, the azalea blooms incredibly beautifully, creating a pleasant atmosphere in the room and giving it a festive and elegant look. There are a lot of tips on caring for it and it is difficult to collect them into one complete material, so it is advisable to dwell on each issue separately and analyze them separately. In this article we will provide key tips on how to properly replant an azalea.
A young plant that is not yet three years old is replanted no more than once a year. Violating this regime and reducing the interval is only possible if the root system has grown too large, or if the roots begin to rot. For older plants, more frequent transshipments are already allowed, twice a year, but, again, only when necessary.
The best period for replanting an azalea is spring; it is then that the bush is pruned, and these two procedures are combined. Later, a period of active growth begins and at this time it is not recommended to disturb the plant, unless there is a desire to lose it.
Transplanting azaleas after purchase
It is recommended to immediately plant most plants in new soil after purchase, because enterprises do not use for transportation and sale those substrates in which plants grow well for a long time. However, replanting an azalea at home after purchase is carried out only after it has adapted to the new environment. It is difficult to say specifically how long this will take; you should focus on the condition of the plant. You can often notice that a beautiful and lush plant that was standing in a store, after being placed in an apartment, slightly drops its leaves and loses its color. This is not alarms, this is her reaction to moving, stress. After some time, her condition will return to normal. You should worry if time passes and this does not happen, perhaps the conditions are not suitable for her or she is suffering from an illness.
When the beauty has already become accustomed to her new home and is feeling well, you can decide to select a new pot and re-transfer it. It is strongly recommended to buy ready-made soil; azalea is demanding on the soil and even the slightest violation of the proportions when preparing it yourself can have disastrous consequences for it.
Replanting azaleas after flowering
Azalea is often bought with flowers, or rather, thanks to these flowers, it is bought, and many of its owners wonder whether it can be replanted blooming azalea. We do not recommend doing this for two reasons. Firstly, for replanting, all flowers need to be cut off and then the owner himself deprives himself of the main decoration of the flowerpots. Secondly, if the flowers are not trimmed and the flower-covered plant is simply transplanted into new soil and pot, it will begin to lay seeds, which will extremely deplete the azalea and all that will remain of its beauty is its name.
It is best to wait until the plant has flowered, cut off all the dry buds and begin the procedure, or rather, preparing the procedure. Preparation includes pruning and soil preparation. Although we do not recommend doing this, we will tell you how to prepare the soil for replanting an azalea with your own hands. For this, acidic and loose heather soil or a mixture is used. pine needles and peat, to which trichodermin is attached, designed to protect the plant from fungi and rot. It is often difficult to find clean soil that is suitable for azaleas, so when choosing a future indoor pet in the store, you should also ask for a package of special soil mixture “For azaleas”. Ready-made soils are not expensive and greatly simplify the entire procedure.
The pots for the plant are wide, plastic or clay, and several larger size than the previous ones, the azalea’s root system is growing well. Drainage must be poured onto the bottom of the container to avoid water stagnation and root rotting, and its layer must be thick enough, and a layer of pine bark is laid out on it, which can increase the acidity of the soil.
The plant, trimmed and deprived of inflorescences, is extremely carefully removed from the pot, trying to minimally affect the roots. The earthen lump will be tightly entwined with them and it will resemble a sponge, but the root must be carefully examined. The root particles may be dead and need to be carefully trimmed, after which it is soaked in zircon and a growth stimulator. Proper pruning of the root system has a very good effect on the future condition of the plant and activates its growth.
The treated and soaked bush is placed in a pot and covered with loose soil, after which it is placed in a well-lit place, but protected from direct sunlight. It is important to protect it from drafts and heating devices that dry and overheat the air.
Caring for azaleas after transplantation
Azaleas after transplantation are carried out on the fifth or sixth day and for this purpose warm filtered or at least settled water is used. Watering should be careful and moderate. In the first month and a half, the azalea will not show signs of active growth and may not have a very “happy” appearance, which is explained by its acclimatization, adaptation and restoration of the pruned root system. However, if watering, air temperature and humidity are maintained at the required levels, the grateful plant will quickly recover and begin to grow.
If this does not happen, it is worth reviewing the conditions of maintenance, especially watering, making sure that water does not accumulate in the pan and that the air humidity is not too low. The soil is checked to see if it is loose enough to soak up water and allow air to reach the roots. Restoration that takes too long may indicate root rot.
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, and 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 root system 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.
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. Choose a new pot for your azalea based on the size of the old one, but only 5cm taller, 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 it into new soil and 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.