Azalea pictures and cultivation methods: water more during the flowering period

SummaryChoosing soil: choose loose, humus-rich acidic soil with the pH value kept between 5.5-6.5. Suitable temperature: the suitable temperature for azaleas is between 15-28°C. Proper watering: water more during the azalea flowering period and in summer. Reasonable light: do not expose it to excessive direct sunlight. Timely fertilizing: it is best to apply small amounts frequently to keep the azalea potting soil acidic. Disease control: carry out pest and disease control in time. Transplanting and cultivation: repot azaleas when they grow larger.

1. Choosing soil

For planting azaleas, you can choose loose, humus-rich acidic soil. When planting azaleas, make sure the potting soil is humus-rich acidic soil, the pH value should be kept between 5.5-6.5, the soil should be loose, breathable and well-draining, and note that clay or alkaline soil must not be used.

2. Suitable temperature

During this period, keep the indoor temperature suitable. Because azalea varieties differ, their temperature requirements also vary. Most azalea varieties prefer a warm environment, and the suitable temperature is between 15-28°C. In winter, the indoor temperature must not be lower than 10°C. When the temperature is too high, azaleas will stop growing, so in summer they should be placed in a cool, ventilated place, and in winter they should preferably be kept indoors. When the temperature is relatively low, the indoor temperature can be adjusted to avoid freeze damage to azaleas.

3. Proper watering

Azaleas love a moist environment, so water more during the azalea flowering period and in summer. During the flowering period from April to June, it is even more necessary to ensure sufficient water, watering once every evening. In summer, when the temperature is higher and hotter, azaleas evaporate more water, so they can be watered once a day. In spring and autumn, they can be watered once every 4 days. In winter, azaleas enter dormancy, so the amount of watering can be appropriately reduced.

When watering, it is best to use natural water, such as rainwater, pond water, fish tank water, river water, etc. Ordinarily, a small amount of “aged water” can be stored. Place the aged water and the azalea in a spot with the same temperature for about 2 days so that the water and soil temperatures are the same, which also helps store more nutrients.

4. Reasonable light

Azaleas should not be exposed to excessive direct sunlight, so when placed in sunlight they need shading to avoid scorching the azalea branches and leaves. However, the specific light exposure still needs to change with the climate. For example, during the flowering period and in summer, 60% shading should be provided, while in spring and autumn, when the sunlight is not very strong, about 20% shading is enough.

5. Timely fertilizing

Azaleas like fertilizer but dislike strong fertilizer, so small amounts should be applied frequently. From February to March, to promote the growth of azalea branches and leaves, some light fertilizer can be applied, mainly nitrogen and potassium, generally once every 10 days. During the flowering period from April to June, mainly phosphorus fertilizer with potassium fertilizer as a supplement should be applied, once every 5 days. When the temperature reaches above 28°C, fertilizing should be stopped, and in winter less fertilizer should be applied. Ordinarily, some alum fertilizer water can be applied and a small amount of ferrous sulfate can be added to the water to ensure the acidity of the azalea potting soil.

6. Disease control

Pest and disease control should be carried out in time. The more common pests and diseases of azaleas include red spider mites, lace bugs, brown spot disease, etc. During azalea pest and disease outbreaks, treatment should be given promptly.

7. Transplanting and cultivation

After azaleas grow larger, transplant and cultivate them in time to avoid affecting their growth. Usually, for 5-year-old plants, a 5-inch pot can be chosen; for 6-10-year-old plants, a 6-inch pot can be chosen; and for those over 11 years old, an 8-inch pot can be chosen. During repotting, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer needs to be added.