The King of Woody Flowers: How Much Does a Rhododendron Bonsai Cost, When Does It Bloom, and How to Grow It

Rhododendron, also known as yingshanhong, mountain pomegranate, and zhaoshanhong, is a flower commonly found in mountainous areas or under pine forests. Because of its diverse colors and beautiful blooms, it is deeply loved by flower enthusiasts. Nowadays, many people like to keep it at home or in the office to enhance the indoor environment. So how much does a rhododendron bonsai cost on the market? When does it bloom? How should it be grown to extend the blooming period?

I. How much does a rhododendron bonsai cost on the market?

The market price of rhododendron bonsai is relatively affordable, generally around 50 yuan per pot, but due to differences in variety, quality, place of origin, and market, there will be certain differences in price. For example, a high-quality variety of rhododendron bonsai can reach around 50 yuan per pot, while an ordinary one costs around 20 yuan per pot on the market, so the specific price still needs to be checked at the local market.

II. When does rhododendron bloom?

Rhododendron generally blooms from April to June, and with proper care techniques, the blooming period can be extended by about one month. However, due to differences in variety and planting region, the blooming time will also differ to some extent. For example, in northern regions, if grown in a greenhouse, it blooms from January to February; if grown in the open field, it blooms from March to May; in higher-altitude areas, it blooms from July to August, so the specific blooming time still depends on local climate and other factors.

In addition, rhododendrons are also divided into spring rhododendron, summer rhododendron, eastern rhododendron, western rhododendron, alpine rhododendron, and others. Among them, spring rhododendron generally blooms from April to May. Summer rhododendron generally blooms from May to June, eastern rhododendron generally blooms in spring, western rhododendron generally blooms from April to May, and alpine rhododendron generally blooms from April to May.

III. How to grow rhododendron to extend the blooming period?

1. Light

Rhododendron does not have high light requirements; generally, it only needs to be placed in diffused light to grow. However, at the early bud stage, light should be increased so that the buds absorb more sunlight and carry out photosynthesis to promote blooming. By the late bud stage, light should be reduced, which can effectively extend the blooming period. However, flowers grown this way are not very vivid in color.

2. Temperature

Rhododendron is afraid of heat, and the suitable growth temperature is between 15 and 25 degrees. If it is above 32 degrees or below 5 degrees, growth will stop, so in summer and winter, try to control the temperature well. If you want to extend the blooming period, you need to adjust the temperature. Generally, the nighttime temperature should be controlled at around 15 to 18 degrees, and the daytime temperature is best controlled at 20 to 30 degrees. After blooming, lower the temperature by a few degrees appropriately, which can extend the blooming period of rhododendron.

3. Humidity

Rhododendron likes to grow in a high-humidity environment, so if you want to extend the blooming period, you can appropriately adjust the humidity to above 70 during the bud stage, but do not exceed 80, and just keep the ground moist.

4. Removing flowers

Rhododendron does not bloom all at once. If the flowers that bloom earlier are removed, the blooming period can also be extended.

IV. Can rhododendron be kept in the bedroom?

There are many kinds of rhododendron, and some are toxic. So when it is not certain whether it is toxic, try not to keep it in the bedroom to avoid physical discomfort. If you really want to grow it, you can move it to the balcony and give it appropriate light to promote its growth and blooming.

V. Is rhododendron toxic?

Most rhododendrons are non-toxic, but because there are many varieties, and there are more than 60 toxic varieties, try to pay attention when growing them.

Generally speaking, rhododendrons with bright red petals are non-toxic, but rhododendrons with white petals or yellow petals are toxic, and both the leaves and flowers are toxic. After accidental ingestion, symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea will occur, so you must pay attention when growing them, especially if there are children at home, it is best not to grow them.