What to Do If a Rhododendron Freezes? Teach You the Correct Remedial Methods

1. Defoliation

Because of the freezing, the leaves may already be dead or have turned yellow, and at this point we need to strip them off, but we must not trim the branches too early, because even though the leaves fall, its green branches can still carry out photosynthesis. Generally, if the damage is relatively minor, just remove the leaves; if the damage is relatively serious, remove the branches.

In addition, there is another reason not to prune too early. If the branches are cut off, their wounds still need a lot of nutrients to heal, so the nutrient loss will also be great, and it does nothing to help recovery from freeze damage. Therefore, the usual time for pruning is before the buds begin to sprout, and it cannot be done all at once to set the final shape.

At the beginning we only cut a small portion, removing the withered and dead ones, and after the buds grow out we then cut off the ones that cannot sprout. When cutting, make the cuts smooth, and the frostbitten spots should also be trimmed smooth, and afterward we should also disinfect them. We should also note that after pruning, many dense spring shoots will grow out, and at this time we should deal with them promptly so that they are evenly distributed.

2. Other

We need to make sure the room temperature is not too low; it is best to keep it above 3 degrees, and do not let it get close to a stove, because that spot is very dry, and this flower rather likes places with high humidity. In addition, we should put it in a place with strong light, because winter light is very weak. If the outdoor temperature is above 3 degrees, still let it get some sunlight, because long-term lack of sunlight may very likely cause it to drop its leaves.

When there is dust, we can spray it with water to wash the dust off, so that the leaves are also less likely to fall. If you are in the south, where there is occasionally below zero, it can still be kept outside to overwinter.

If it has been frostbitten, we should apply more nitrogen fertilizer, a little less each time and more frequently, starting with a thin solution and making it more concentrated later. In addition, we should also apply topdressing to its leaves, and also supplement it with trace elements. After it thaws, loosen the soil to let the soil temperature rise.