The correct method and key points for repotting azaleas

Generally, potted azaleas need to be repotted after 2 to 3 years. As the plant grows, root growth becomes restricted, and the nutrients in the growing medium are gradually depleted, which makes repotting necessary.

Before potting up, choose a suitable flowerpot according to the size and growth condition of the seedling. Do not move small seedlings into large pots, as moisture is then difficult to control and the seedlings are prone to poor growth. When using a new pot, first soak it in potassium permanganate solution for half an hour to remove debris, insect eggs and alkaline substances. After cleaning it thoroughly, place a piece of mesh at the bottom of the pot to prevent underground pests such as sesame oil worms and mole crickets from entering through the drainage hole. Then place a piece of tile on the mesh to cover part of the drainage hole, and lay another half piece diagonally over it to cover the other part, forming an arch shape. In this way the drainage hole of the pot is not easily blocked, and in the future during thunderstorms or watering, excess water can flow out through the drainage hole without causing waterlogging. For some plants that are afraid of waterlogging, you can also put more pumice (volcanic stone) on top as a drainage layer to increase drainage and aeration. It is worth noting that if only one broken tile is used to completely cover the drainage hole, the function of the drainage hole is lost, which is not conducive to aeration and easily causes water accumulation in the pot, root oxygen deficiency and root rot.

Then tilt the original flowerpot, hold the pot with your left hand, insert the thumb of your right hand into the drainage hole of the pot and push the root ball out. Remove about one third of the old soil and trim away some old roots and branches. Place the removed azalea in the center of the new pot, straighten it, spread the roots evenly, and slowly add nutrient soil, pressing gently with your fingers while adding, so that the roots are in close contact with the soil. Do not add the soil too high; adding it to 2 cm to 3 cm below the rim of the pot is enough, which is helpful for future watering.

After potting up, water thoroughly the first time so that the growing medium in the pot absorbs enough water. It is recommended to use the "soaking method", placing the whole flowerpot in a basin filled with water for 15 minutes to 20 minutes. Once the soil is moist, take it out, place the flowerpot in a shaded outdoor spot for 2 weeks, and pay attention to spraying water on the leaves to increase environmental humidity and reduce water evaporation from the branches and leaves. After the settling-in period, return to normal care.

If the following situations are found while caring for azaleas, you can go ahead and repot them:

① When roots grow out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot, it means the root system has filled the pot.

② After watering, water accumulates in the pot, white foam appears in the water, the water cannot flow out through the drainage hole, and there are whitish signs around the flowerpot, indicating that the soil is compacted and the medium has a high salt content and is alkaline.

③ The plant grows very fast, is out of proportion to the pot, and looks top-heavy.

④ The soil in the pot bulges upward, indicating that root growth has become restricted.

⑤ As the plant grows larger, it can be propagated by division.