Cultivation methods and precautions of dewdrop azalea

1. Origin

Rhododendrons originally lived in high altitudes, mostly growing in woods or shrubs on hillsides, and are produced in southwest China.

2. Environmental requirements

(1) Temperature: Azalea prefers a cool climate. Hot and dry weather is not conducive to its growth. The temperature is best between 15 and 20 degrees;

(2) Soil: The soil should be loose, fertile, moist, and have a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Heavy soil is not suitable for its growth;

(3) Sunlight: Rhododendrons cannot tolerate excessive sunlight, but they need a certain amount of light. Pay attention to shade in summer and autumn, and ensure sufficient sunshine in spring and winter.

3. Fertilization and watering

(1) Potting soil: Use fertile and soft soil rich in nutrients, and control the pH to keep the potting soil acidic;

(2) In spring and autumn, before flowering, additional phosphorus fertilizer can be applied once a month to make the flower buds grow better and prepare for the flowering period. More fertilizer and water should be applied during the growth period and flowering period.

(3) Summer and winter are dormant periods, so pay attention to controlling the amount of fertilizer and watering to prevent root rot due to excessive fertilizer and water;

(4) When growing dew azalea in dry areas, it should be watered and sprayed in time. When watering, you can add iron solution or vinegar to the water. It helps improve soil quality and flower quality.

4. Pattern management

Pinching azaleas can speed up the blooming of flowers. However, any extra branches should be cut off in time to avoid affecting the growth of the flowers and affecting their appearance and price. Cut off unnecessary and poorly shaped branches in time to avoid excessive waste of nutrients.

5. Delay or advance of flowering period

Cooling or warming the dewdrop azalea can delay or advance its flowering period. Moving it indoors for temperature control, watering it frequently, and maintaining a relative humidity of more than 80% can advance its flowering period. Placing azaleas with flower buds in a low temperature of 2 to 4 degrees can delay flowering. Watering when the pot is dry can be done. Putting it outdoors for two weeks will allow it to bloom.

6. Disease and Pest Control

(1) Leaf swelling: Spray 1:1:200 Bordeaux mixture and remove diseased leaves in time. After the disease occurs, spray 500 times dilution of mancozeb, once every seven days

(2) Root rot: This disease is caused by Neurospora, a fungus that lives in the soil and can infect plants over several years. The diseased plants should be soaked or rinsed with 0.1% potassium permanganate solution, then rinsed with tap water and then planted in pots. Place the plant in a well-ventilated and sunny place and apply more potassium fertilizer.