Cultivation Techniques of Azalea Bonsai

How to make azalea bonsai

Rhododendron can be propagated by sowing, cuttings, layering and grafting. Cuttings are the most commonly used method of propagation, which is generally carried out in May or June after flowering. Cut the cuttings into 3-5 cm long, semi-lignified and strong new branches, retaining 2 upper leaves, and insert half of them into loose soil. After insertion, shade, water spray and moisturize are required. They will take root after about 6 weeks.

Cultivation Techniques of Azalea Bonsai

1. Selection of nutritious soil: Azalea is suitable for planting in loose, well-drained, acidic sandy soil containing humus. Therefore, you can mix leaf mold, fine sand, garden soil, cinders, sawdust, and an appropriate amount of bone meal.

2. Potted containers: Azaleas need to choose pots with good air permeability and drainage. Porcelain pots, ceramic pots, purple clay pots, clay pots, etc. are commonly used. The size is determined according to the size of the plant.

3. Rhododendron can be propagated and raised by sowing, grafting, cuttings, layering and division (one-year-old strong seedlings can be potted), or you can dig up strong old stumps as materials.

Precautions for cultivating azalea bonsai

It is best not to keep azalea bonsai at home. Although the plant has a certain degree of shade tolerance, it likes a well-ventilated environment. If the indoor ventilation is poor and the light is not good, it will not see or see little sunlight and can only exhale a small amount of oxygen. At night, it exhales a large amount of carbon dioxide, which affects people's sleep.

1. Use soil

Potted azaleas prefer acidic soil, with a pH value preferably between 5.5 and 6.5. In addition, the soil must be loose, breathable, and well-drained. Do not use clay or compacted soil.

2. Pruning

During the daily maintenance of azalea bonsai, it is necessary to prune a few diseased branches, weak old branches, and thin out dense branches to increase air permeability, which is beneficial to the growth of the plant. If diseased branches are found, they should be pruned away in time to reduce the spread of diseases and pests in the azalea.

3. Repotting

When potted azalea grows up, it needs to be repotted in time to avoid affecting the growth of the roots. It is best to use a slightly larger pot and apply some base fertilizer when repotting.

4. Watering

Potted azaleas prefer a humid growing environment. They need to be watered frequently during the flowering period from April to June to provide sufficient water. In summer, water evaporates rapidly, so they need to be watered every day. During the growing period in spring and autumn, they can be watered every 4 days, and watering should be controlled during the winter dormancy period.