The magnificent azalea enchants at first sight. As a true beauty, she is subject to the vagaries accepted by conquered flower growers, because the efforts spent on care are rewarded with the onset of the time of lush, beautiful flowering of the azalea.
As you make efforts and labor, remember the future joyful reward. The flower is also called the Alpine rose: indeed, the proud beauty resembles the queen of flowers, sometimes surpassing her in its perfection.
Azalea at home after purchase
Immediately after purchase, an azalea seedling needs suitable soil, because the soil in shipping pots is completely unsuitable for permanent maintenance of the plant. It is best to purchase soil for azaleas that ideally meets the growing requirements. capricious beauties. You need to replant, trying not to damage the roots, since the plants take a very long time to recover after this procedure.
Free the root from the pot, place it in a new, larger pot and cover it with nutritious soil. You can place a small drainage layer at the bottom of the new pot to protect the plant from overflowing.
The video will tell you how to replant an azalea after purchase:
Caring for azalea rhododendron at home
Often, received as a gift or purchased in a store, a magnificent azalea blooms magnificently for a long time, pleasing the eye, and then, unfortunately, dies - they decide to throw out the plant. In vain! Azalea is simply going through a period of adaptation to apartment conditions. Be patient and attentive: the bush will gradually regain its strength and produce new leaves. Having mastered the basic rules of care, you will become friends for many years with a magnificent beauty that blooms throughout the warm season.
Selecting a location, temperature and lighting
Azaleas need diffused light or weak partial shade along with cool air; the scorching rays of the sun will kill it. It is difficult to maintain coolness in summer: place the plant in the shade, preferably on a western or northern window, and ventilate the room more often.
It would be good to bury a pot of azalea in a shady part of the garden for the summer, protecting the beauty from direct sunlight. Even if you just put an azalea on the balcony, the summer rain will be very useful. You need to return the plant to the room before starting heating season. The ideal climate for azaleas can be compared with a warm, foggy autumn - 10-14 °C during the day, 6-8 °C at night, combined with high humidity. The plant feels quite comfortable even at 18-20° C, if you do not forget to constantly moisten the leaves.
How to water an azalea
The fundamental requirement for azaleas is to water regularly, but not to over-water it, and to avoid stagnation of water and drying out of the soil. The soil should not be wet, but slightly damp. So that the soil after watering tap water did not alkalize, alternate watering with plain water and acidified water - sometimes add 2 g citric acid per liter of water and water the flower, but not often).
With the onset of autumn, after flowering has ended, reduce watering slightly. If the flower is in peat soil, which poorly absorbs moisture when it dries out, sometimes place the pot in a basin of water for up to two hours. It is important to remember that heat and dry air are detrimental to the plant: the azalea will begin to shed flowers and leaves.
During the heating season, constantly spray the leaves of the plant using a fine spray from a spray bottle. You can place the azalea pot on a tray with wet pebbles, but do not allow the pot to come into contact with water. Ideally, water and spray with rain, melt or river water, but at least softened - it should sit at room temperature, cold water absolutely cannot be used.
Transplanting and feeding rhododendron azaleas
Azaleas prefer acidic soil. A mixture of heather soil is ideal for azaleas, peat soil is possible, a mixture of coniferous soil in two parts and one part peat soil with a small addition of river sand is good, hydroponics is a good choice. Flower shops sell special soil intended for acidophilic plants, also suitable for azaleas. You should choose a pot that is not high, since the roots of the flower have a superficial structure.
Loosening the soil while caring for a flower is strictly prohibited in order to avoid destruction of the root system; for this reason, the plant is handled rather than replanted. Young flowers need transshipment only once a year in the spring, adult plants - once every 2 or 3 years. Replant without disturbing the earthen coma, adding a large amount of new soil.
In spring and summer, use fertilizer for azaleas once a week; in autumn and winter, for planting buds, use a solution of 15 g of superphosphate per 10 liters of water every 2 weeks.
How to transplant an azalea, look at the video:
Pruning and shaping the azalea crown
Pruning an azalea can be described as shortening last year's shoots, removing weak, closely growing branches in order to create a neat crown with a uniform arrangement of flowers. For a beautiful crown, constant pinching is necessary. Remember, increased branching of the bush can interfere with flowering.
For late varieties of azalea, removal of excess shoots is carried out from the beginning of May, for early varieties - in March. When pinching the tops, leave 4-5 leaves on them, shoots next to flower buds cut it too. At the end of summer, when the plant begins to lay flower buds, it must be pruned correctly; if pruning is late, the buds will not form. At your discretion, the azalea can be decorated as a tree, bush or bonsai.
If you want the azalea to form a uniform crown without distortions, constantly rotate it around its axis.
How to form an azalea bonsai?
- To pinch the azalea at the cutting stage, leaving 10-12 cm in length, side shoots arrange it the same way.
- To begin with, remove absolutely all shoots, with the exception of the central branch, growing it strong, even, use support, and regularly rotate the flower around its axis. When the desired size is achieved, pinch the top, which will give rise to branching; constantly turning the flower and pruning side shoots will help create a tree with a rounded crown shape.
- To form a central shoot, then, pinching it, the side shoots. To give the plant a curved shape with horizontal branches, tie small weights to the branches or tilt them using thick wire, wrapping it around the shoots and bending them as desired.
Azalea blossom
Keeping it cool and regular moderate moisture helps prolong flowering. Remove faded buds and seed pods. The azalea can be safely rotated and moved during the flowering period, without fear of shedding new buds. With proper care, flowering will become more luxurious with each new season.
Azalea after flowering
After flowering, rhododendron needs rest. This best time for pruning and replanting: remove all excess shoots, cut off the flower tips of the branches and carefully replant the beauty using the transshipment method, only partially replacing the soil. This procedure will allow the plant to gain strength for the next season. Remember that you can prune azaleas only until the end of summer so that the plant has time to set flower buds.
When the plant takes root, watering begins to be reduced, placing the azalea in dormant mode until approximately February.
How to propagate azalea from cuttings
Propagating azaleas by cuttings is the easiest and most successful way.
- In March-June, apical semi-lignified cuttings 5-8 cm long are cut, rooted in coniferous soil, having previously treated the cut of the cutting with a growth stimulant, and should be planted to a depth of 1-2.5 cm.
- Build a greenhouse using glass jar, be sure to ventilate, irrigate, water, maintain a temperature of 25 ° C.
- When new shoots appear, it will become clear: rooting was successful. Continue watering and irrigation, do not forget about acidified water. After a couple of months, the plants can be opened slightly and accustomed to the conditions of the apartment.
With due attention, almost all seedlings are accepted.
The video will tell you how to cut an azalea:
Growing azaleas from seeds at home
Sowing seeds is a rather difficult method used to breed new varieties and is not recommended for use at home. However, many enthusiasts have successfully grown rhodendrons from seeds.
Armed with patience, begin sowing azalea seeds in January-February. Fry the prepared soil in the oven and cool; this procedure will protect the plants from many diseases. The seeds are laid out on the surface of the substrate at a distance of 1.5-2 cm, sprinkled with water and covered with a transparent lid or bag. The optimal temperature for germinating azalea seeds is 18-22°C. The containers are initially shaded with opaque material.
When the shoots appear, they are provided good lighting, but the shelter has not yet been removed. After a while, thin shoots need to be strengthened: with a stem height of 2-3 cm, peat is carefully poured between them. This way, new roots will form, and the seedlings will not become thin and fall down.
When 3-5 true leaves appear, the plants are planted separately in cups, still providing greenhouse conditions (the cups are covered with bags). Only when the bushes grow and get stronger, will it be possible to gradually accustom them to independent life without shelter, removing it first for a while, and then for good.
Video about sowing and growing azaleas from seeds:
The successful experience of passionate gardeners confirms that it is indeed possible to grow azaleas from seeds, you just need to put in a little more effort. The process is not difficult, but it requires patience and diligence.
How to replant an azalea and divide the bush
Azalea bushes grow over time and become cramped in the designated pot. This means it’s time to start the process of transplantation and division. Water the plant thoroughly and leave for several hours. Afterwards, carefully remove the pot from the earthen ball and try, without damaging the roots, to divide the bush into separate parts. Azalea roots are superficial and quite fragile. We try to choose a wide, stable pot that will give the plant room to grow wider.
Diseases and pests
Diseases:
Unfortunately, azaleas are prone to a variety of indoor plant diseases: powdery mildew, gray rot, rust, etc., but everything can be cured with appropriate medications, which are easy to purchase at a flower shop.
Pests:
Greenhouse whitefly, with the accompanying sooty fungus covering the leaves, viral infections that come with the pest; mealybug leads to almost death. Moths, caterpillars - eat leaves; strawberry mite - leads to curling of leaves, shrinking of buds; flat red mite - leaves turn brown and fall off.
Azalea is quite finicky and troublesome to care for, but having mastered the nuances and provided favorable conditions, you will get unique beauty plant covered with strange flowers. With proper care, the plant will not be susceptible to diseases and will gain beautiful shape and will delight you with its magnificent blooms year after year.
Types of home azaleas with photos and descriptions
The enchanting azalea, called Azalea in Latin, is a member of the genus Rhododendron, family Ericaceae, making up a group of species that was previously only a separate genus of plants.
Giving flowering cold winter Filling the house with a spring mood, azalea, also called rhododendron - “pink tree”, enjoys stunning success among gardeners.
In its natural environment, azalea grows in Japan, China, southern Europe and North America, including Southeast Asia. Revered in the East as a symbol of joy and peace, popular for bonsai. The flowering is striking in its beauty and variety: simple or double flowers, corrugated or fringed, white, red, various shades of pink, purple or variegated. This miniature, compact, well-branched bush is distinguished by its flowering period, which occurs earlier or later.
Forefathers home breeding Azaleas became two original species:
Indian azalea or azalea rhododendron Sims Rhododendron simsii
The shoots are covered with bristles, charming flowers with a diameter of 3.5 cm are funnel-shaped, two-colored, and can be speckled.
Japanese azalea or rhododendron obtusum
It has glossy casts, funnel-shaped large flowers with a diameter of 3-5 cm. Along with sakura, it is the national plant of Japan, constantly used by Japanese gardeners.
The two described species are dwarf bushes, reaching 30-50 cm, often used not just as a houseplant, but popular compositions in the bonsai style are formed from them.
Azalea is very beautiful evergreen shrub originally from the mountainous regions of the Carpathians, East Asia and the Caucasus with a cool, humid climate and loose soils. The plant is famous for its beautiful, flower-like flowers with a variety of colors from white to purple. According to the shape of the petals, azalea flowers can be corrugated, regular with smooth edges, or double.
The azalea flower is a subspecies of the heather family and reaches a height of 0.5 to 1.5 m. When the plant is in a dormant period, it resembles a dry bush with small, inconspicuous foliage, and translated from Greek the name of the plant sounds like this - "dry". All the beauty of the azalea is revealed when it blooms its beautiful flowers of the most incredible colors and shapes.
Indoor azalea - home care
Azalea fans often wonder: “How to care for an azalea at home so that it blooms often and luxuriantly?”. However, as a houseplant, azalea is quite whimsical. But if you create everything the necessary conditions, then the shrub grows beautifully and regularly pleases its owners with a lush cap of variegated flowers.
Indian azalea, which is easier to care for at home and is most suitable for indoor keeping. This ornamental shrub grows up to 60 cm in height, and the period of continuous flowering lasts for two whole months (from December to February).
You can also find in flower collections Japanese azalea. Its flowers are much sparser and smaller, but the green crown is very beautiful. This makes it possible to use the plant as an evergreen ornamental shrub.
There is also, the cultivation and care of which is similar to the care of indoor specimens. 
Photo of azalea
Proper care of azalea
Because of their beautiful flowers, azalea has become an excellent gift and often appears in the house after family celebrations and holidays. And to prevent the plant from drying out immediately after the first flowering, it is necessary to make every effort.
Like any indoor plant, rhododendron needs conditions close to natural. Therefore for proper care you should take care of:
How to choose the right place for an azalea?
When deciding on the location of a plant, it is necessary to rely on its natural habitat. It's cool, full clean air and absent-minded sunlight places. Therefore, try not to place the plant pot in direct sunlight.
Ideal for places remote from heating devices where there is natural diffused lighting. And unlike others indoor plants, azalea is not at all afraid of drafts.
Temperature
Temperature conditions are very important for rhododendron. In nature, azalea lives in a cool climate; heat is destructive for it.
When the plant is in the stage of forming flower buds ( October November), temperature environment maintained around 5–7 degrees. And during the flowering period, it should be increased by 6–10 degrees. 10–15 degrees Celsius are considered optimal.
Of course, what is good for azaleas is not very comfortable for people. Therefore, many gardeners are cunning and, to cool the plants, cover the pot with dry ice or often treat it with water from the refrigerator.
How to water an azalea correctly?
Azalea is very moisture-loving plant, preferring frequent and abundant watering. Due to lack of moisture in the soil and air, the green crown may turn yellow and crumble.
At the same time, the soil should not be oversaturated with moisture, as this is detrimental to the root system.
Along with frequent watering, daily spraying of the entire crown and surrounding area is carried out. This helps not only saturate the plant with moisture, but also reduces the ambient temperature.
For watering use soft, cool water ( rain or settled) water. Tap water is left to settle, then boiled and cooled.
During the budding period, watering should be slightly limited, since the plant’s natural need for moisture decreases.
How to maintain air humidity?
One of mandatory conditions Comfortable growth of shrubs is high ambient humidity. Support high percent indoor humidity is not easy, but possible. We put flower pot into a large tray filled with small pebbles and moss. Pour cool water into the pan, as for irrigation, and constantly top it up as it evaporates.
An additional method of moisturizing is daily spraying. It is better to carry them out from a small spray bottle so that the droplets are very small.
How and with what to fertilize azalea?
Considering that the plant requires a large amount of nutrients, both during the period of active growth and when laying future flowers next year, it needs to be fed regularly. It is better to do this with special complex fertilizers for azaleas from March to November.
Feeding is repeated twice a month, i.e. every two weeks. These feedings are very important and cannot be neglected, otherwise the plant will bloom poorly or may die.
Citric acid can be used as an additional nutrition ( for 1 liter of water 2 gr.) and superphosphate (1 5 gr. per 1 liter of irrigation water).
Light mode
It has already been mentioned that azalea does not tolerate direct sunlight. However, during the flowering period it needs intense diffused lighting. And in order to prolong this wonderful period of azalea life, they constantly remove faded flowers and avoid getting water on the petals when spraying or watering.
Secrets of long-lasting azalea flowering
“Why doesn’t the azalea bloom?”- this is a question that arises among many fans of this representative of the flora. Indeed, the plant is quite capricious, but by strictly following all the recommendations, you can easily achieve a lush and long flowering.
In some cases, there are so many flowers that they completely cover the green foliage. But along with optimal conditions of detention, there are secrets that allow you to admire this beautiful spectacle for a long time:
- In order to cool the shrub during flowering to 10–12 degrees, lay snow along the edge of the pot or water the plant with cold water. Since the optimal temperature for flowering is 12 degrees, at this temperature the azalea blooms for 2 months. If the temperature is higher, the flowering period is reduced by 3.5–4 times.
- Unlike other plants, during the flowering period the azalea can be safely moved and rotated. But for the correct formation of flower buds, after flowering the pot must be returned to its original position.
- For long-term flowering, remove wilted flowers immediately and avoid getting moisture on the petals.
- Careful care of your azalea after purchase will also ensure long and beautiful bloom. Contrary to popular belief, purchased flowers at home do not bloom or grow for a long time.
Pruning and pinching azaleas
After flowering, the plant needs to be pinched and the stems trimmed. Pruning azaleas after flowering increases the intensity of future flowering and allows you to form beautiful bush. The purpose of pruning is to form a dense, dense crown.
Pruning is usually carried out in spring and summer. First of all, weakened and overgrown branches are removed.
All young shoots must be pinched, leaving 5–6 leaves on the stem. All young shoots that grew near the flower buds are also removed. Within a couple of weeks, young leaves appear on the cut branches.
Transplanting azalea
After pruning, if necessary, the azalea is transplanted into a flat pot. bigger size with a wide top. Azalea transplantation at home is done carefully, way of transshipment so as not to damage root system.
If you are late with the procedure, the overgrown rhizome can cause stagnation of water and rotting of the substrate. And this is fraught with the emergence various diseases and pests.
Young shrubs are replanted every year, and three-year-old specimens every 2–3 years.
The soil mixture for planting should be loose and slightly acidic. It must contain peat, river sand, heather soil and other components.
If you are a non-specialist, then it is difficult to choose the proportions yourself. Therefore, it is better to purchase ready-made soil mixture for azaleas in specialized retail outlets.
After transplantation, the plant should be watered regularly and fed every ten days. potassium sulfite, ammonium nitrate and superphosphate.
Azalea transplant, video:
Azalea propagation
Reproduction of azaleas is not easy and quite troublesome. From April to August the shrub is propagated stem cuttings. The entire process from cutting cuttings to first flowering takes from 2 to 3 years.
So how to propagate azalea at home? To do this, select shoots from last year's pinching, which are 7–10 cm long, and cut cuttings from them. The 3 lower leaves of each cutting are removed, forming a small cutting. All other leaves are shortened by half. Under the lowest bud, a sharpened knife makes an oblique cut.
Before planting, I tie the prepared cuttings together in groups of 10–15 and immerse the cuttings for 6–10 hours in a solution of a growth stimulator to accelerate the formation of young roots.
Then they make a mini-greenhouse. Pour a 2 cm layer of fine gravel, the same layer of coarse river sand and a mixture of peat with a coniferous substrate onto the bottom of a suitable container. The cuttings are deepened by 3–3.5 cm, the soil surface is generously sprayed and the greenhouse is covered with a transparent film.
Already 7 days after planting, the cuttings are regularly ventilated, slightly opening the film. Do this for an hour in the morning, eliminating the possibility of drafts.
After a few months, the cuttings form a powerful root system. But provided that the temperature in the greenhouse is not less than 22 degrees and the humidity is below 80%.
Pay attention to this material -
As soon as the first shoots appear, the film is removed and abundant spraying and watering begin. When the shoots grow a couple of centimeters, they are planted in separate pots or seedling boxes ( scheme 10×10).
For further branching and formation of the bush, after a couple of months, each top is pinched. The first buds must be removed so as not to burden the plant that is not yet ready to flower.
When the bush gets a little stronger and undergoes repeated pruning ( in 2–3 months), it is transplanted into small flat pots with a drainage layer and fertile light substrate.
Propagation by cuttings is quite long, but effective method azalea propagation.
Cuttings of azalea, video:
Diseases and pests of azaleas
Improper care not only shortens the flowering period of the plant, but also causes a number of diseases and pests. Therefore, always keep a close eye on your plant. If you see the signs listed below, take the necessary measures immediately.
Signs of the disease and the causes of their occurrence:
From the first minutes of being in the house, azalea demands special attention. Often a bush brought from the store begins to wither and die after a few days. The thing is that after purchase the azalea needs to be transplanted. If everything is done correctly, the flower will begin to actively bloom, grow and even reproduce.
When you bring a flower from the store, carefully examine it. Nursery producers hardly care about the strengthening and development of the root system and the further growth of the flower. Shrubs, artificially prepared for flowering and planted in shipping pots, are treated with synthetic substances that put the crop into a dormant state. Fertilizers are added to the bud, which maintain freshness and flowering for several months. The roots do not develop at this time, and the flower can easily pick up fungal infections. All these factors cause the death of the plant when it moves from the store to the windowsill.
From the first minutes of being in the house, azalea requires special attention.
A thorough inspection of the azalea immediately after purchase is necessary to identify existing problems.
The peculiarity of the flower is that a special microflora is formed around the root system, interference with which can lead to unpleasant consequences.
Overmoistening of the soil is no less dangerous, as it causes rotting of small roots. If you have identified problems with the root system or soil, or found traces of mold, it is better to transfer the plant to another container, removing poor-quality soil and damaged tissue. If you don't know what to do, watch the video on how to properly transplant an azalea. From it it will become clear to you that you cannot replant a flower covered with flowers or buds. It is dangerous to carry out any manipulations in winter, when the plant is dormant and all vital processes are inhibited. It is better to wait until the growing season and only then transfer the bush to fresh soil.
How to plant azalea
A complete transplant at home and according to all the rules is carried out once - after purchase. In the future, the seeded and old flowers are only transferred, using a larger pot. If you have no experience in growing flowers, it is better to choose one azalea and provide it with proper care. Over time, you will get a well-developed plant. If several bushes grow in a flowerpot, after flowering has ended, during replanting they need to be divided and planted. Otherwise, one bush can negatively affect its neighbors. For example, the roots of one will begin to rot, and then other flowers will pick up the infection. At the end of flowering, young plants are replanted every year, older ones - every two to three years.
Root treatment
Transplanting azaleas at home requires careful handling of the roots. The azalea's lump is like a sponge - it is impossible to shake it off or clean it. The roots of the flower are very thin, so you need to separate them carefully using sharp knife. Purchased azalea most often grows in shipping peat soil, which is pressed and firmly adheres to the roots. In addition, it does not contain any nutrients. When replanting, it is important to preserve the natural microflora of the root system, which the flower maintains throughout its life.
If you transplant a flower correctly, it will have a beneficial effect on growth and flowering. To do this you need to follow the recommendations experienced gardeners and comply simple rules, which concern not only azaleas, but also. 
If you transplant a flower correctly, it will have a beneficial effect on growth and flowering.
To replant azaleas after purchase, you will need wide plastic or clay pots, flowerpots or containers larger than the previous ones. Drainage is laid at the bottom, and pine bark is placed on top of it - it is needed to increase the acidity of the soil. The soil should be slightly acidic, specifically designed for azaleas. The best option– buy nutrient soil with the appropriate marking in the store, add baking powder.
To replant azaleas after purchase, you will need wide plastic or clay pots, flowerpots or containers larger than the previous ones. You can also use heather soil, which is highly acidic, light and friable, or a mixture of high-moor peat and pine needles. Whenever replanting azaleas, it is advisable to add trichodermin to the soil mixture - it will protect the plant from fungi and rot. To soak the roots you will need zircon, epin and other materials.
Azaleas should be replanted in the spring at the same time as pruning, when the plant begins to actively grow.
The bushes can be pruned after flowering or simply remove faded inflorescences. Carefully remove the flower from the pot. The earthen lump is usually dense and penetrated by many roots. Traces of dead tissue are visible on some fragments. Therefore, at the time of transplantation indoor azalea processing is required. It includes:
- removal of old substrate;
- root pruning;
- treatment with growth stimulator and zircon.
Due to the high density of the root system inside the pot, the azalea does not receive sufficient quantity nutrients. To correct the situation, the earthen ball is cut off from below by about a centimeter - along the side surface and at the root collar, while simultaneously removing the remaining soil.
At the next stage of transplanting an azalea after purchase, it is lowered into a container filled with clean warm water. During the preparation of the soil mixture, the azalea roots will be thoroughly saturated with moisture. The soil for the plant should be loose and airy, the container should not be deep, the main thing is that there is enough space for an impressive layer of drainage.
The soil for the plant should be loose and airy, the container should not be deep, the main thing is that there is enough space for an impressive layer of drainage. The treated and moisture-soaked bush is placed in the prepared soil. After transplantation, it should be sent to a well-lit place where there is no direct sunlight, drafts, etc. In the first three to four days, the soil is not moistened, then watering is gradually resumed using settled or filtered water. room temperature. Within one to two months, the plant undergoes acclimatization and compensates for the loss of the root system. If the flower does not need to be divided into several bushes, it is replanted using the transshipment method.
Transshipment of azaleas after purchase
Since the flower is very capricious and weak, after purchasing it is advised not to replant it, but to replant it. To do this, the earthen lump in which the plants grew is removed and placed in a new, more spacious container. This process will help protect the fragile roots, and therefore preserve the azalea. Due to the fact that the old substrate remains in place and is poured on top of it new soil, the flower almost does not get sick during transshipment and is better accepted. However unpleasant consequences are still possible. After transshipment, inexperienced gardeners try to water the plant well, which is fundamentally wrong. During such a transplant, the soil dries out much faster than the roots. As a result, they are exposed to increased moisture, and the azalea dies.
To azalea for a long time pleased you with its beauty, when transplanting, follow the recommendations of professionals:
- Do not over-water or replant your azalea in the winter. It is better to do this when new shoots grow. Avoid transplanting on unfavorable days.
- Before manipulating the plant, trim off all faded buds. If they remain on the plant, seed production will begin, which can lead to depletion of the flower.
- By the time of transplant aboveground part Azaleas should be trimmed, dead branches should be cut off, dry leaves should be removed, etc.
If you did everything correctly, over time, dormant buds will begin to hatch on the plant’s trunk. This is a sign that the plant is alive and doing well. Replanting a flower requires some effort and patience. But all the trouble will pay off, and your collection will be replenished with a beautiful plant. If you still have questions, you can always watch a video about azalea transplantation, which will dispel your doubts.
Azalea is a highly branched shrub from the Ericaceae family. lush flowering which accounts for winter period. Ornamental plant with a huge amount bright colors captivates the hearts of almost all gardeners, including beginners. However, it is necessary to study the nuances of how to care for azalea at home in order to prolong its life. life cycle and flowering.
Azalea: adaptation period after purchase
Often, a new owner of an azalea, having purchased it in a store or received it as a gift in a blooming state, after a short period of time observes how the chic “bouquet” in the pot begins to dry out, shedding flowers and foliage, and then dies.
To prevent the development of such a scenario, it is necessary to acclimatize the plant in new conditions:
- When a flower enters an apartment, the condition of the earthen clod is inspected.
- If mold is detected, the soil is treated with a fungicide or manganese solution.
- If the lump is dry, then the flower pot is placed in a basin of water for 20-25 minutes.
- Then the azalea is located in a semi-shaded place with a temperature no higher than 18°C and gradually gets used to the new lighting regime.
- Using a spray bottle, you artificially increase the humidity level of the flower close to the natural one.
Quarantine conditions
To avoid the possibility of infecting other indoor plants with infections and pests, azalea is kept in quarantine for 14 days, the main conditions of which are:
- constant monitoring of plant condition;
- timely treatment of the flower in case of detection of pathogens or pests.
Do I need to replant my azalea after the store?
The azalea flower must be transplanted into a new substrate after flowering has completed and acclimatization to new conditions.
The reasons for this need are:
- a high concentration of macro- and microelements in the old soil, which stimulate the splendor of the bush and abundant flowering;
- rotting of an earthen clod due to frequent overwatering of the plant in a flower shop to maintain the elasticity of the leaves and prolong the flowering period.
Requirements for soil and pot
Because of the culture’s love for acidic soils, it is better to purchase a substrate for cultivating azaleas at a flower shop. However, if desired, you can prepare it yourself by mixing rotted pine needles, moss and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio. The pot is selected low and wide, at the bottom of which a drainage layer is placed to prevent water stagnation.
Azalea is one of the most beautiful, but at the same time capricious indoor plants. Caring for it is quite complicated and time-consuming, especially for novice gardeners. Often, a lushly blooming azalea bought in a store does not adapt to the conditions of an ordinary city apartment, sheds flowers and leaves, and then dies. If you want to prevent this from happening, this article is for you. In it we will tell you how to properly feed, water and prune azaleas. In addition, we will describe how to replant this magnificent plant and how to rid it of pests and diseases. We hope this information will help you grow a healthy flower. Azalea will become a real decoration for your apartment.
Description of the plant. Natural distribution area
Azalea belongs to the heather family and the genus Rhododendron. It is believed that the ancestor indoor varieties is a simsa plant (Indian rhododendron), growing in mountain forests at an altitude of 2.5 km above sea level. Asia and North America are considered the homeland of this evergreen branched shrub. It was from the Sims that various hybrids were obtained. The modern azalea is a shrub that has small, dark green leaves and gorgeous flowers. They can have a wide variety of colors - red, pink, lilac, white, cream, yellow, etc. In the natural environment, the azalea flower is common in Asia, Europe, North America and even the mountainous regions of Siberia. In warm regions it is cultivated as a garden plant, and in cold regions as a houseplant.
Varieties of magnificent azalea
Conventionally, scientists divide these beautiful plants into several main types. The most popular and common of them are:
- Japanese azalea - grown as a garden plant;
- Indian - used for indoor breeding;
- North American is a deciduous shrub grown in open ground, in mild climatic conditions.
Indian flower azalea is a small evergreen shrub reaching 50 cm in height. The dark green leaves are small, up to 3.5 cm in length, usually covered with reddish hairs. The flowers reach 5 cm in diameter. They gather in inflorescences, can be either double or non-double, and have a variety of colors - from white to rich orange, lilac and dark purple. Often the petals are two-colored - white with a pink or red border. Budding of indoor azaleas often occurs in winter.
The most popular varieties of Indian azalea
For indoor growing Varieties such as: Avenir, Albert Elizabeth, Heroes of War, Ilva, Niobe, Professor Walter, Eggebrekhti, etc. are excellent. Plants belonging to the first grade are spreading, fairly tall bushes. They have large semi-double flowers, reaching 11 cm in diameter, usually of a bright pink-carmine hue. They bloom in December. Azalea variety Albert Elizabeth is a spreading bush with dark small leaves and lush double flowers, reaching 10-11 cm in diameter. The color of the petals is soft pink, salmon. The azalea flower of the variety Heroes of War has single lilac or pink flowers, also quite large (up to 10 cm). They exude pleasant aroma. Plants of the Ilva variety are usually compact and medium-sized. They produce single, funnel-shaped pink flowers with a diameter of up to 6 cm. The buds begin to appear in February or March. Niobe is a compact plant with white double flowers with a diameter of 8 cm. Azalea Professor Walter is a spreading and tall bush with bright pink non-double flowers. Often there are crimson specks and spots in the center of the petals. The Eggebrechti variety is distinguished by its compact size, rich crimson flowers with petals wavy at the edges. Next, we will tell you how to keep azalea flowers, how to care for them and what growing conditions to create so that they bloom intensively and for a long time.
Temperature
An indispensable condition for growing Indian varieties is the creation and maintenance of maximum favorable conditions. First of all, this concerns air temperature. Maintaining 10-15 °C is considered the most optimal. Coolness is necessary for seedling growth, development and bud formation. Hot climatic conditions with temperatures above 20-24 °C will destroy azalea flowers. How to care for them if it is not possible to lower the temperature to 10 °C? In spring and autumn, before the cold sets in and the temperature drops below 5 °C, the pot of azalea can be taken to the balcony, loggia or garden. There the plant will feel much better. In the summer, you can place it in an air-conditioned room and periodically place pieces of ice next to the pot. This measure will “deceive” the flower, reduce the air temperature around its trunk and allow it to survive the hot summer. And in winter, experienced flower growers advise keeping the bush cool - this will help the plant prolong its flowering.
Azalea flower: how to care for it at home? Air humidity
The azalea flower is extremely sensitive not only to temperature. The plant requires maintaining sufficiently high air humidity. Therefore, it is advisable to install an air humidifier in the room where the bush is located. In addition, indoor azalea flowers must be regularly sprayed once or twice a day, especially during work central systems heating. Experienced flower growers It is advised to place the pot with the plant on a tray with pebbles filled with water. This way the azalea will not suffer from excessively dry air.
Proper watering of indoor azaleas
How to care for an azalea flower? As for watering, he prefers softened cold (ideally melted) water. It is necessary to moisten the soil in the pot abundantly and regularly, not allowing it to dry out, but at the same time avoiding stagnation of liquid. In addition, irrigation water should be acidified. For one liter of liquid you need to use 2 g of citric acid. In the autumn-winter period, watering is slightly reduced, but the substrate is not allowed to dry out. If you accidentally made a mistake and did not water the plant, immediately carry out resuscitation procedures. Submerge the azalea pot in water for several hours.
Lighting and feeding
The azalea flower is extremely sensitive to light. How to care properly? Place the pot close natural source light, but so that the direct rays of the scorching sun do not fall on the plant. Remember, the room should be sufficiently light and cool. Lack of lighting, hot and dry air are detrimental to azaleas; they stop blooming and may shed their leaves. Except proper watering, spraying and creating optimal climatic conditions, the plant must be fed. In the autumn-winter period, once every two weeks you should apply a special fertilizer for the azalea plant. The flower shop will offer you a choice of several different dressings, choose any one that suits your needs. flowering plants, but without chlorine.
Azalea flowers: care and replanting
In order for the plant to form a healthy root system, grow and bloom well, it is necessary to carry out timely transshipment. How to care for flowers? Young azalea needs annual replanting. Mature plants move less often - once every two or three years. For transshipment, you should choose a wide and flat pot, slightly larger than the previous one. As for the soil, nutritious soil is ideal acidic soil- peat with pine, as well as a small amount of sand. The plant will also perform well in deciduous soil. If you do not want to make the mixture yourself, purchase ready-made soil for acid-loving flowers. Handling should be done carefully, trying not to disturb or injure the root system. Don't forget about drainage; the pot must have it. It is worth noting that new, just purchased azaleas, especially imported ones, are in dire need of replanting. When you bring the flower home, carefully remove it from the container and place it in a bowl with cold water. Rinse and clean the roots (this will take quite a long time). When a minimum of substrate remains, rinse the roots again with cold running water and transplant the flower into good soil. Be sure to place expanded clay at the bottom of the pot. If desired, you can add ash to the soil mixture - it has bactericidal properties and will prevent root rot. After transshipment, on the first day, the substrate is not watered too much, since the roots of the flower are already sufficiently saturated with moisture.
Flowering and formative crown pruning
For abundant and long flowering, it is necessary to pinch the shoots in a timely manner. It is also necessary to trim regularly indoor flower azalea. How to care for it and how to form a beautiful crown? Young shoots are pinched so that no more than 5 leaves remain on them. Those located next to the flower buds are pinched first. Several buds appear from each bud - from 2 to 4. Faded buds must be removed so that the azalea blooms longer. In addition, the seed pods are also removed to prevent depletion of the plant.
An azalea that has the shape of a tree is pruned as follows: first, the strongest branch is determined, and the rest - weak, too long or faded shoots - are cut off. A support is used to support the plant. When the tree reaches the desired height, the central branch is pinched, and subsequently it begins to branch. Periodically turn the azalea different sides to the light source. This will gradually form a beautiful, uniform crown. The shape of bush azaleas is created as follows: the cuttings are pinched at a distance of 10 or 12 cm from the soil. Withered flowers are immediately removed. When flowering stops, all branches are cut to 5 cm, and sick and weak ones are removed completely. If the plant has browned leaves, they are also removed.