How to grow small-leaved azalea well

Rhododendron microphylla growing conditions

The small-leaf azalea likes to grow in the middle of the night and is most afraid of strong sunlight. In spring, you can let it see more morning and evening sun. In summer, put it in a ventilated and cool place. In winter, it should be moved indoors and placed in a sunny place for cultivation. The most suitable growth temperature is 12 to 25 degrees, and it cannot be lower than five degrees.

How to raise small-leaved azalea

The seeds of small-leaved azalea are very small, so you need to pay attention to them when caring for them. It is best to choose loose, fertile, well-drained, acidic soil containing humus. You can use orchid mud, alpine humus soil, perlite, or loess soil.

Watering of Rhododendron microphylla

Small-leaf azalea likes a humid environment. When the soil is dry, it needs to be watered thoroughly, but water accumulation should not occur. The water used for watering cannot contain minerals. Rainwater and river water can be used. If tap water is used for watering, we need to add some vinegar to the water.

Fertilization of Rhododendron microphylla

For small-leaf azalea, apply diluted alum fertilizer water every 10 days in March and April to promote the greening of leaves. After the flowers fade in May-July, apply diluted alum fertilizer water every half a month. In the bud formation period from August to October, you can add phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Stop fertilizing in winter.

Disease and pest control of Rhododendron microphylla

Brown spot is one of the diseases of small-leaved azalea. Pay attention to light transmission when planting. Remove diseased leaves in time when they are found. In the early stage of the disease, you can spray a little Bordeaux liquid. Chlorosis occurs in areas with alkaline soil. You can reduce the alkalinity of the soil by spraying some acidic substances. Short-bearded elephant is a common pest. Spray 0.5 degree Baume lime sulfur mixture once in mid-to-late October and early spring in March.

How to grow small-leaved azalea at home

1. Prepare nutrient soil

Small-leaf azalea needs to be planted in suitable soil. You can use special orchid soil, or you can choose alpine humus soil, vermiculite, perlite and other materials to prepare your own nutrient soil. After preparing the nutrient soil, you should also lay a 7 to 8 cm permeable layer at the bottom of the flowerpot. The prepared nutrient soil should be loose, well-drained, and slightly acidic in pH.

2. Reasonable watering

The small-leaf azalea likes moisture, so it needs to be watered in time, and the choice of water is also very important. When watering it, you cannot use water containing minerals. Try to use natural river water or rain water. If you use tap water at home, collect the water in a pot and place it in the sun for 2 to 3 days before watering it.

3. Moderate light

The small-leaf azalea likes a warm environment and is suitable for growing in semi-shade. In spring and autumn, you can put it in direct sunlight in the morning and evening. After entering the hot summer, you need to move it to a cool and ventilated environment. After entering the cold winter, you can keep it in full sunlight.

4. Temperature regulation

Temperature is an important condition for growing small-leaf azalea. This plant can grow normally when the ambient temperature is between 12 and 25 degrees, but after entering winter, you must pay attention to keeping warm. The ambient temperature needs to be above 5 degrees. After the hot summer, you must increase environmental ventilation and spray water on the leaves in time. The temperature should not exceed 35 degrees.

Precautions for the maintenance of small-leaved azalea

The root system of small-leaf azalea is extremely fragile. It is intolerant to concentrated fertilizers, raw fertilizers, and waterlogging. Attention should be paid when watering and fertilizing. It is best to dilute the fertilizer with water, or water it in time after fertilizing. This can reduce the occurrence of fertilizer damage. If the situation is more serious, the pot and soil need to be changed.