Azalea is famous for its amazing flowers andextremely capricious character. It is because of this that it is very difficult for novice gardeners to properly care for this plant. But one look at the flowering bush is enough to understand - amazingly beautiful flowers are worthy of any difficulties. Let's talk about what kind of care azaleas need at home so that the plant only pleases with its presence. Let's not argue - azaleas are quite demanding. Of the most important conditions that contribute to good plant growth, the following can be immediately named:
- Cool;
- Fresh air (drafts do not frighten her);
- Abundant watering with clean water and regular spraying to maintain moisture;
- Sour soil.
Indoor azalea needs sufficientamount of sunlight, but do not overdo it - the plant does not tolerate heat and direct sunlight. The ideal place to keep it is on the windowsill of a north-facing window.
The optimum temperature for the content of azalea
The optimum temperature for azalea is 17degrees Celsius. It is clear that in the summer it is very difficult to achieve such a temperature regime, but it is at this time that the azalea enters a dormant period. The pot with the plant can be in the garden or on a shaded open veranda. To make it easier to care for the plant during this period, it is recommended to dig in the pot with the azalea, having previously put a nylon stocking on it. This will help to prevent various pests from getting into the soil. In order for flowering to be lush, a low temperature of 6-8 degrees is required at the time of bud formation. And by the time the buds are ready to bloom, the temperature needs to be raised to the usual 17 degrees.
Humidity and watering
To ensure that azalea care does not disappoint youresult, it is important to remember one rule - azaleas need high air humidity! At home, it is very difficult to achieve the necessary parameters and constantly maintain them. However, there is one way that will help you in this difficult matter.
- Take a wide tray and put a large pebble on the bottom;
- If you find a pebble problematic, you can replace it with pieces of moss (sphagnum is ideal for this purpose);
- Now pour water into the pan so that it covers the filler;
- On top, put a pot of plant;
- Your task is to ensure that the water in the pan is always on.
However, these are not all the tricks that helpcreating the necessary humidity. Daily care of this plant includes regular spraying from a spray bottle. During the flowering period, it is advisable not to allow water to get on the buds and flowers, otherwise they may become stained. Try to choose a spray bottle with small holes for spraying. If you cannot find one, it is better not to spray the plant, but simply wipe the leaves with a damp piece of cloth. It is necessary to water the azalea with soft water. At the same time, the soil should be moist all the time, but not turn into a swamp. Try to avoid sudden changes in soil moisture, otherwise the care will not be successful. If you first dry out the azalea and then suddenly flood it with water, you will get a bald plant without flowers and buds. If it is not possible to arrange water procedures with melt water (or rainwater), then you can periodically add a little natural apple or wine vinegar to the water for irrigation. Lemon juice is also suitable for these purposes: 10-15 drops per liter of water will be enough.
Care for azalea during and after flowering period
Caring for azaleas is almost the same at any time.Time: both during flowering and after the buds have fallen. Try to provide the plant with plenty of diffused sunlight. Do not move the pot before flowering, otherwise you may not get the desired result in the form of a lush flowering crown. Find a suitable place in advance where the flower can show itself in all its glory. Perhaps this will be a window facing southwest or southeast. Make sure that the flower is as far as possible from the battery or other heating devices. Flowers that have already faded must be carefully removed from the plant. This way, it will not waste extra energy on the formation of seeds. It will be correct not to break off the peduncle, but carefully unscrew it, trying not to catch the neighboring buds. In late spring, when the plant has already faded, it can be replanted. Since azalea has a superficial root system, it is better to give preference to shallow and fairly wide pots. Very young plants need to be replanted annually, for older and more mature flowers it is enough to carry out the procedure once every 2-3 years. After flowering, it is necessary to prune the plant to form a beautiful crown - remove all dried or overgrown branches. This will help the azalea to grow new green mass and look neat and lush. Following these simple rules, you will understand - caring for an indoor azalea is not so difficult. And your friends and acquaintances will appreciate the beauty of this amazing flower.
