The author of the text is MSc. Barbara Bogacz
Widely known charming potted azalea, the so-called Indian rhododendron is derived from the frost-intolerant Rhododendron simsii, growing on the slopes of the mountains of Taiwan and China. After crossing many times with other species, Indian rhododendrons obtained beautiful forms and adapted to pot breeding, but they did not change their habits.
The primary living conditions of these plants are cool and wet mountain forests with very humus and calcium-poor soil. Hence the problems with growing them at home. In order to be able to enjoy the beautiful but capricious azalea longer, we need to provide it with the right conditions. Most often we buy it during the flowering period, i.e. in early spring, when we have little light.
The plant should therefore be placed even near the southern window, but behind the curtain, because direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause too intense transpiration.When ventilating the apartment, make sure that the flowerpot is not in the way of the blast of frosty air.The plant will immediately react by dropping flowers and leaves.
How to prevent white spots on azaleas?
White spots on azaleas are a symptom of a fungal disease - azalea true mildew (Erysiphe penicillata). It is necessary to remove the heavily infested shoots and regularly collect the fallen, infected leaves with the simultaneous start of spraying with anti-fungal plant protection products, the so-calledfungicides. The disease does not cause the plant to die, but it significantly reduces its aesthetic value. How to prevent? When planting azaleas in sunny places (powdery mildew most strongly affects specimens growing in the shade), when watering, avoid sprinkling the leaves and weed regularly.
- says Dr. Eng. Tomasz Mróz
Azaleas - care and winter care
Flowering takes about a month, then we move the azalea to the eastern window. In summer, it can stand on the north window or in the shade on the balcony.It is best to plant it in the ground under shrubs or trees with partial shade.This gives the greatest guarantee of re-flowering. After flowering, the azalea is transplanted to a fresh substrate for heather plants with a long-acting fertilizer.
The substrate for this group of plants must be acidic. The pot can be flat with several large holes or standard with one hole, but then a layer of drainage must be applied to the bottom. After transplanting, trim the shoots a little, giving the plant a nice shape.In autumn, when night frosts are expected, take the pot home for the night and place it in a cool and bright room.
We bring azalea home permanently when the days are frosty.When the flower buds are formed, we bring the plant into the apartment, but first, for a few days, we put it in only slightly warmer conditions, but not as warm as in the apartment.Rapid temperature change may cause dropping flower buds and leaves. Place the pot with azalea away from radiators. We gradually remove the fading flowers.
Rhododendrons or azaleas
In winter, the air in the apartments is very dry, favorable for the development of spider mites. If these pests are found, you will need to spray them several times.When buying azalea, make sure that the substrate is not dry. If it is a frosty day, the pot and the entire bush should be carefully wrapped, e.g. newspapers. An insufficiently protected plant will lose its leaves and buds after a few days.
