Why azaleas do not bloom and how to prune the branches and leaves

The azalea is a common variety. In the state I once heard the cuckoo bird, and in Xuancheng I saw the azalea again. Since ancient times, the azalea has often appeared in the writings of scholars and poets, which shows that the history of cultivating azaleas is already very long. Today, the editor will guide everyone to understand how to prune the branches and leaves of azaleas.

How to prune the branches and leaves of azaleas

Azaleas have strong sprouting and regenerative ability. Every 1-2 years after the flowers fade, they should be moved into a flowerpot a bit larger than the original one, and fresh potting soil should be used.

After azaleas bloom, their spent flowers often remain for a long time without falling, which consumes quite a lot of nutrients. In order not to let nutrients be wasted for nothing, the spent flowers should be picked off in time, and Huadu Zhuangdiling should be sprayed so that nutrients are supplied for the need to sprout new shoots. In addition, the shorter summer azaleas grow many horizontal branches. Every spring, many small branches sprout from the stems at the base. In order to concentrate nutrient supply to the main branches and flowers so that they grow faster and larger, these small branches should also be cut off in time. If there are too many flower buds, besides keeping 1 on each branch, the rest of the flower buds should also be removed. After pruning is completed, the cut wounds must be coated with wound healing and anti-corrosion film to prevent infection by pathogens.

Exactly which tree shape is best to prune into can be decided according to your own preference. There are umbrella · shape, round shape, semicircular shape, pagoda shape, square shape, and so on. You can choose freely, and then deliberately prune accordingly.

Why azaleas do not bloom

The main factors for azaleas not blooming are phosphorus deficiency, long-term excessive shade, and long-term soil that is too wet, which cause the phenomenon of being unlikely to bloom.

1. The most likely reason azaleas do not bloom is phosphorus deficiency, because phosphorus is an important material basis of life and can promote the growth and development of the root system, flowering, seeds, and fruits. When phosphorus is deficient, azaleas cannot form flower buds, and azaleas without flower buds cannot bloom. When azaleas reach the flowering period and have not formed flower buds, a compound fertilizer with relatively high phosphorus and potassium content can be buried at the edge of the pot according to the recommended amount to promote flower bud formation, and then there is more hope of blooming.

2. Insufficient sunlight. When kept in a relatively dark location for a long time, photosynthesis cannot be carried out, and more nutrients cannot be produced to provide for the growth of flower buds. Without flower buds, azaleas will not bloom either. They can be moved outdoors to get more sun to enhance photosynthesis and produce more nutrients to provide for growth and flowering.

3. Taking water control measures one month before flowering can also promote flower bud differentiation and make blooming easier.

The growing environment of azaleas

Azaleas grow on mountain slopes in sparse thickets or under pine forests at an altitude of 500-1200 (-2500) m. They like acidic soil and grow poorly in calcareous soil, or even do not grow at all. Therefore, soil scientists often use azaleas as an indicator crop for acidic soil.

Azaleas by nature like a cool, moist, ventilated, semi-shaded environment. They fear both intense heat and severe cold. The suitable growth temperature is 12°C to 25°C. When the summer temperature exceeds 35°C, new shoots and new leaves grow slowly, and the plant enters a semi-dormant state. In summer, sun protection and shading are needed, and in winter, attention should be paid to keeping warm and preventing cold. They avoid exposure to scorching sun and are suitable for growing under scattered light of low light intensity. If the light is too strong, tender leaves are easily scorched, and the edges of new and old leaves burn. In severe cases, it can lead to plant death. In winter, azaleas cultivated in the open ground need measures to prevent cold so they can overwinter safely. Among ornamental azaleas, West Azaleas have the weakest cold resistance. When the temperature drops below 0°C, cold damage is likely to occur.

How to water azaleas

Azaleas require soil moisture to be moist but not wet. Generally, in spring and autumn, azaleas planted in the open ground can be watered thoroughly once every 2-3 days. In hot summer, water at least once a day. For daily watering, never use alkaline water. When watering, also note that the water temperature should not be too cold. Especially in hot summer, watering thoroughly with too-cold water causes the soil temperature to drop suddenly, affects root water uptake, and disrupts the plant's physiological balance.

After planting and changing soil, water thoroughly once so that the root system and soil are fully in contact, which helps the roots survive and grow. During the growing period, pay attention to watering. Starting in March, gradually increase the amount of watering. Especially in summer, do not let it lack water. Keep the potting soil moist often, but do not let it become waterlogged. After September, reduce watering. After being brought indoors in winter, water only after the potting soil has dried thoroughly.

Azaleas are a kind of plant that is especially easy to grow, with strong adaptability, and can grow in very poor environments. This makes me think that we should also learn from azaleas and be people who can grow in all kinds of environments.