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How to grow azaleas? Remember the four dos and four don'ts

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Azalea, also known as yingshanhong, belongs to the genus Rhododendron in the family Ericaceae and is a typical acid-indicating plant. Because of its brilliant flower colors, unusual flower shapes, long flowering period and varied cultivars, it is often loved by people. However, improper management methods cause yellow leaves, few and pale flowers, and even death. Therefore, in routine care, special attention should be paid to the "four dos and four don'ts". 1. It prefers warmth and humidity, and should avoid blazing sun and excessive moisture. Azaleas grow best in a warm and humid environment. The potting soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as waterlogging easily causes root rot and death. If watering with tap water, add an appropriate amount of edible vinegar or sulfur

Azalea, also known as yingshanhong, belongs to the genus Rhododendron in the family Ericaceae and is a typical acid-indicating plant. Because of its brilliant flower colors, unusual flower shapes, long flowering period and varied cultivars, it is often loved by people. However, improper management methods cause yellow leaves, few and pale flowers, and even death. Therefore, in routine care, special attention should be paid to the "four dos and four don'ts".

1. It prefers warmth and humidity, and should avoid blazing sun and excessive moisture. Azaleas grow best in a warm and humid environment. The potting soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as waterlogging easily causes root rot and death. If watering with tap water, add an appropriate amount of edible vinegar or ferrous sulfate to make the water acidic before watering. If watering with rice-washing water or water from washing fish or meat, it must be fermented until it smells sour, then diluted and poured at the roots. Each watering should wait until the potting soil is dry before watering again. In summer, when the temperature is relatively high, young leaves are easily scorched under the blazing sun; and because the roots are close to the soil surface, they are prone to dry-heat damage, so shading should be provided to prevent the leaves from turning yellow and withering in the sun, which would affect growth and ornamental value.

2. It is best to apply light fertilizer frequently, and avoid heavy fertilizer applied in large amounts. Azalea roots are fine and shallow, so fertilization should mainly use liquid fertilizer. When fertilizing, fermented soybean cake fertilizer, chicken manure fertilizer, etc. should be diluted with water and applied, once a week. Fertilizing too strongly or too much easily burns the root system and causes the whole plant to wilt and die.

3. It prefers loose soil and should avoid sticky soil. Azaleas like acidic soil and should avoid alkaline soil containing lime and sticky clay soil with poor drainage. Soil that is too sticky easily becomes compacted and waterlogged, which is unfavorable for growth. Loose, breathable humus soil is best. In summer, often cover the surface of the potting soil with decomposed organic soil as a ground cover to enhance water retention, prevent excessive dryness, and help lower soil temperature and protect the roots, promoting the growth of azaleas.

4. It prefers acidity and should avoid alkalinity. Because azalea is an acid-indicating plant, it is sensitive to the acidity and alkalinity of the soil. Therefore, whether watering, fertilizing, or changing the potting soil, acidity should be the main consideration, and alkaline water and alkaline fertilizer should be avoided.

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