Azalea

Azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron, come from North America, China, Japan, and Asia Minor. Evergreen or deciduous shrubs and numerous hybrids; used as decorative-leaved garden crops and as indoor potted plants. Numerous species have particularly bright glossy flowers that shimmer from shades of white to a variety of pink, red, orange and yellow. They are divided into 3 main groups: evergreen ground rhododendrons (grow well outdoors), deciduous ground ones (warm up in open places in winter) and Indian azaleas (tender greenhouse and indoor species). In addition, there are azaleas with early, intermediate and late flowering. Indian Azalea (Rhododendron indicum) - the most famous species, which is the ancestor of indoor and greenhouse azaleas, numerous varieties and hybrids. It is characterized by abundant flowering with flowers of different structure, size and color. These plants are most popular in Belgium, Germany and Holland.

Azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron, come from North America, China, Japan, and Asia Minor. Evergreen or deciduous shrubs and numerous hybrids; used as decorative-leaved garden crops and as indoor potted plants. Numerous species have particularly bright glossy flowers that shimmer from shades of white to a variety of pink, red, orange and yellow. They are divided into 3 main groups: evergreen ground rhododendrons (grow well outdoors), deciduous ground ones (warm up in open places in winter) and Indian azaleas (tender greenhouse and indoor species). In addition, there are azaleas with early, intermediate and late flowering.

Indian Azalea (Rhododendron indicum) - the most famous species, which is the ancestor of indoor and greenhouse azaleas, numerous varieties and hybrids. It is characterized by abundant flowering with flowers of different structure, size and color. These plants are most popular in Belgium, Germany and Holland.

Cultivation

Indian Azalea can be grown on the terrace or in the garden in calcareous, well-drained soil. If the ground is very dense or too light, add peat or leaf humus. This plant is afraid of both drought and spring frosts. If you have received an Indian Azalea as a gift, it is recommended to keep it on the balcony for a few days before bringing it into the house. In order for the plant to bloom again, you should check the acidity of the soil using a litmus test.

Indian Azalea can be grown on the terrace or in the garden in calcareous, well-drained soil. If the ground is very dense or too light, add peat or leaf humus. This plant is afraid of both drought and spring frosts.

If you have received an Indian Azalea as a gift, it is recommended to keep it on the balcony for a few days before bringing it into the house. In order for the plant to bloom again, you should check the acidity of the soil using a litmus test.

Location

Azaleas require a lot of light, but not direct sunlight in spring and summer. In the open air, they grow best under the canopy of rare trees, especially conifers.

Temperature

They do not tolerate low temperatures, so it is recommended to keep them outdoors only from April to October in a semi-shaded place, and with the approach of cold weather - to bring them into the house or put them in a protected place. Indoors, plants are placed away from heat sources.

Watering

The ground should remain moist, but don't over-water it. If the plant wilts, submerge the pot for a couple of hours in water, and then let the water drain so that there is no excess left. By resorting to this trick, you will allow the thin and very thick roots of azaleas to absorb enough water and drink enough. Spray the foliage properly, but not during flowering.

Transplant

Transplanting into a new pot is performed 1 time in 2-3 years at the end of winter. The land should be peaty and have an acidic reaction of the environment.

Reproduction

Propagate Azalea herbaceous cuttings in the spring or grafting in the "English split" in the summer (lies in the fact that both the Scion and the rootstock of equal diameter are made the same splits that are inserted into each other) - only specialists produce. Cuttings and grafted plants are kept in a moist environment (for example, in boxes or clay bowls covered with glass). It will take approximately 3 years to get a new small plant.

Diseases

Indian Azalea (Rhododendron indicum), its hybrids and varieties are susceptible to attack by many pests and various fungal infections, in particular late blight (due to poor drainage, water stagnates). Fungal diseases cause wilting and death of the plant. Rust and gray rot may appear on the leaves, especially if the plant has been stressed due to extreme heat, wind or cold. Fungal diseases can be prevented by using disinfected soil and avoiding stagnation of water. Among the pests, I would like to highlight aphids and whiteflies, the latter are tiny insects covered with a white waxy coating that settle on the underside of the leaf. Especially dangerous are the larvae of Lepidoptera and beetles, which feed on leaves, gnawing at their edges and gnawing in the center. They get rid of them with the help of appropriate medications. Potted specimens, if the soil is not acidic enough, often get chlorosis (leaves turn yellow).

Indian Azalea (Rhododendron indicum), its hybrids and varieties are susceptible to attack by many pests and various fungal infections, in particular late blight (due to poor drainage, water stagnates). Fungal diseases cause wilting and death of the plant. Rust and gray rot may appear on the leaves, especially if the plant has been stressed due to extreme heat, wind or cold. Fungal diseases can be prevented by using disinfected soil and avoiding stagnation of water. Among the pests, I would like to highlight aphids and whiteflies, the latter are tiny insects covered with a white waxy coating that settle on the underside of the leaf. Especially dangerous are the larvae of Lepidoptera and beetles, which feed on leaves, gnawing at their edges and gnawing in the center. They get rid of them with the help of appropriate medications.

Potted specimens, if the soil is not acidic enough, often get chlorosis (leaves turn yellow).

Acquisition

Choose plants with buds (for which the future coloring is already visible, but they are closed). Shake the plant to check for dry leaves.