Planting and caring for indoor azaleas, growing a finicky flower at home. Azalea flower, how to care at home

Azalea is awesome ornamental plant, but she is very picky. The height of the flower is from 30 cm to one and a half meters. It has lanceolate, egg-shaped leaves. Various flowers color palette, there are specimens with simple or double inflorescences. When the plant blooms, the room is filled with a pleasant aroma.

Before purchasing a flower you need to find detailed information, type: azalea care at home photo. If you pick different varieties, properly care for azaleas, then there is always a real garden on the windowsill from November to May:

• on early flowering ones in November-December;
• mid-blooming in December-February;
• late bloomers in February-May.

If the region has a mild climate, then the azalea indoor plant grows well in the garden

Azalea grows in the vast expanses of China, Japan, southeast Asia, southern regions of Europe and North America. Indigenous people believe that a flowering plant brings happiness and peace. Azalea bonsai surprises anyone.

Azalea Bonsai

Azaleas are usually given as gifts when they bloom profusely. Those people who do not know the characteristics of the plant simply throw the flower away after flowering. The reason for the shedding of leaves is the discrepancy between the climatic conditions in the apartment. The fact is that the plant is demanding of humidity and temperature at different periods of its life. For example, in winter you need no more than +12 degrees.

But the whims of azalea do not repel fans. Indoor flower is becoming more and more popular. But you definitely need to learn how to care for azaleas at home.

Varieties of azaleas

Breeders have developed many varieties of azaleas, differing in size, leaf shape, and petal colors.

But for this they used only two types: Indian and Japanese.

Azalea japonica

Indian azalea

In nature, these are dwarf shrubs. Their height does not exceed half a meter. The purchased flower can be grown like a tree.

Among the most popular varieties:

• Azalea japonica Melin
• Azalea Japanese geisha perp
• Rhododendron yellow Satan
• Azalia Chardas
• Azaleas kermesina
• Hybrid azalea "Slavka"
• Azalea japonica golden lights

Home azalea is a capricious flower, it requires special care, only in this case will they please their owners.

Particular attention to lighting

Rhododendrons do not tolerate direct sunlight well; they prefer diffused light. If the weather permits, in the summer the flower can be taken outside, but in the shade. If it starts to rain, there is no need to remove the plant. Such water procedure will be beneficial.

Air humidity

Azaleas like moist air, so they need to be watered frequently and generously. If the soil and air moisture are insufficient, the plant reacts violently by turning yellow, and then the azalea drops its leaves. Excessive moisture can destroy the roots of the plant.

It is useful to spray the leaves and the entire flower from bottom to top, the space around the azalea every day. In this way you can reduce the air temperature. It is convenient to carry out the procedure using a regular spray bottle with a fine spray. If the azalea is grown in a pot, it is usually placed in a tray. You need to put pebbles and moss in it. These two fillers prevent the water from evaporating for a long time, and a comfortable microclimate is created around the flower. You can install a fountain that drips water.

What you need to know about watering

Water the azalea flower with soft, cool, but not icy, water. You can use rainwater. If you use tap water, you need to let it sit and then boil it.

When caring for azaleas at home, you should know that the flowers require acidified water. Add a little succinic or citric acid to one liter of liquid.

Abundant watering is required on hot summer days. When buds appear on the plant, as well as in the autumn months, you need to water less, only as the clod of earth dries out. Remember, overwatering of flowers, including gabdelfat safin azaleas, has a detrimental effect on the root system. Some gardeners specifically purchase hygrometers.

Features of temperature support

Azalea rhododendron is picky about room temperature. In our homeland, the natural climate is cool. If an azalea suddenly drops its leaves, it means the room is too hot for it.

Azalea buds

When the plant begins to form buds, and this happens in October-November, you need to maintain a temperature within +7 degrees. When it starts to bloom, they increase it to +10 degrees. The rest of the time for azaleas proper care at home it is enough to stick to +10-15 degrees.

It is clear that this temperature is not sufficient for people to live comfortably. You can achieve reduction for the flower by using dry ice to cover the pots, or by spraying the azalea with cold water.

What kind of soil does azalea like?

Plants prefer peat soils. But if the soil dries out, it becomes hard and water is not absorbed. The azalea directly in the pot should be placed in a large container and left for a while. Loosening is prohibited; the azalea's roots are too sensitive to damage.

Azaleas, especially kermesina, are demanding on soil acidity. It is advisable to maintain a pH of 4-4.5. If there is no peat mixture, you can use heather soil by mixing it with pine. And even better for successful cultivation use store-bought hydroponics or a composition for acidophilic flowers.

Features of transplantation

When growing azaleas at home, they need to be pruned from time to time. Most often, azaleas are pruned after flowering. Then the flower is transplanted into another container. The procedure must be approached carefully, otherwise the roots will be damaged. It is better to re-handle the cut flower.

It is undesirable to be late with replanting, because the overgrown root system can rot and the plant itself can shed its leaves.

Attention: The young plant must be replanted annually, after reaching the age of three, after 2-3 years.

When transplanting it is better to use ready-made soils, purchased in a specialty store.

Caring for azaleas after transplantation is almost no different from usual procedures. It is necessary to water it with water and fertilizers every 10 days.

Choose the right fertilizers

After the purchase and subsequently, in the spring and summer, once every 10 days, the azalea is fed, choosing the correct proportion. There are a number of special fertilizers that can be purchased from flower shops. Rules of use in the instructions.

In the autumn-winter period, when buds appear, azaleas are fertilized with superphosphate.

When the azalea blooms...

Blooming azalea kermesina

If you want to have plenty flowering plant, you need to know how to properly care for an indoor azalea flower at different periods of life:

• First of all, timely pruning (starting in May) and pinching will be required. No more than 5 leaves are left on new shoots. This procedure is carried out constantly: a large number of leaves do not allow a large number of buds to form. And the flowers themselves are getting smaller.
• In order for azaleas, including purple ones, to delight with a riot of flowers for a long time, they need to be irrigated in a timely manner and create coolness around them.
• Each bud usually produces up to 4 buds. Is it possible to remove flowers that dry out? It is not only possible, but also necessary - this extends the flowering period, the plant itself does not lose strength.
• Don't forget to work on your azalea after it blooms. In addition to watering, pruning will be required.
  When an azalea blooms, it can be turned or moved to another place: the buds do not fall off or dry out. Proper care of azaleas at home, see photo, allows the plant to bloom more luxuriantly every year.

How to form a crown

Care and propagation of azaleas is not possible without the correct formation of the crown. When pruning in a timely manner, you need to leave a large number of tops. You cannot be late with the procedure, otherwise the ash rose geisha bush will not bloom lushly.

The plant can be formed as a bush or tree:

1. For the tree, choose one healthy branch, which will later become a stem. I tie it to a support, cut off all the shoots. The pot must be turned to align the stem. When the azalea reaches the desired height, the top is pinched. The emerging shoots are pinched to obtain a spherical shape. Don't forget to remove unnecessary shoots.
2. You can get an azalea in the form of a bush by pinching the side shoots at a height above 12 cm from the soil. The tops are shortened. The bush needs to be rotated so that the branches are the same length.

Azalea shaped like a tree Azalea shaped like a bush

How can I get a new flower?

Azaleas are propagated in different ways, each method requires a special approach:

1. seeds;
2. cuttings;
3. dividing the plant;
4. through vaccination.

Sowing seeds is considered the most difficult and time-consuming.

Propagation by cuttings

• When cutting use semi-woody shoots no more than 5-8 cm. Green cuttings are not suitable because they wither and can dry out. Planting material They are prepared in spring and summer, and propagated in March-April. But the best time is May-August. Replant into acidified soil or ready-made substrate. Freshly cut cuttings need to be treated with growth stimulants and placed vertically. Create a greenhouse effect using a jar or film. Cuttings root well at +25 degrees. After a month and a half you can get a new plant.
• When dividing a bush take a plant no younger than 3-4 years old. You need to work carefully, since damage to the fine roots will cause the azalea, not the exception of crimson, to shed its leaves.

Why do plants get sick?

You can recognize a diseased plant by various signs. Signs of the disease and the causes of their occurrence:

• If the leaves on the azaleas begin to dry out, then most likely there is not enough moisture or the flower has been exposed to the sun. In this case, to the question, the azalea has suddenly dried up, what to do to save it, the answer is simple: water it and remove it from the sun.
• If the buds have fallen, water with high-quality water and feed.
• Rhododendrons may suffer from powdery mildew, gray rot, rust, various mosaics. In these cases you need to fight chemicals, without waiting for the azalea to start shedding its leaves.

Azalea pests

Azalea has many enemies among insects, some of which can attack flowers. If measures are not taken in time, the plant may be destroyed, even replanting does not help.

• Leaves may fall off if they are inhabited by spider mite. It is not difficult to notice: the leaf is shrouded in cobwebs. The reason is dry and warm air in room. Prepare a soap squirt and spray the flower, and then give it a warm shower.
• Tubes appear on young leaves and flowers become deformed? The reason is the settlements of the strawberry mite on all parts of the azalea, the most terrible pest. You can only get rid of it with special means.
• Plants affected by azalea moths lose leaves and slow growth.
• Sooty fungus soon settles on leaves damaged by greenhouse whitefly.
• The leaves on an azalea may turn brown and fall off if it is infected with red flat mites, thrips, or aphids; the question of what to do is an important one. Immediate chemical treatment will be required.
• After purchasing the plant, it is carefully examined. Any insects, including midges, can cause irreparable harm. The fight must begin immediately.

Let's sum it up

Azalea Sims

Rhododendrons of any variety are amazing beautiful plants. Lovers of indoor plants leave a lot of tips on growing and reviews from flower growers about azaleas on the pages.

Let's look at the most popular:

1. To cut cuttings you need to use a sharp tool.
2. It is not recommended to leave leaves on the lower part of the shoot.
3. After planting the cuttings, do not forget to compact the soil.
4. The microclimate around the flower helps to grow lush azaleas.
5. Pruning azaleas after flowering is a mandatory procedure.

If you want to grow a capricious indoor plant and get a lush head of flowers, take into account the wishes and advice of people who are passionate about growing azaleas. From them you can get valuable advice, if the leaves start to fall off the azalea, what should you do? The main thing is to love your “brainchild” and shower it with attention.

Azalea is a common indoor plant that is an evergreen branching shrub. The leaves are ovoid in shape and slightly drooping on both sides.

Azalea blooms in winter time when many plants are resting. Flowers in most cases small size.

Flowers don't fade long time, and can delight you for two weeks or more.

In home floriculture, Japanese and Indian azaleas are most widespread.

Caring for indoor azaleas at home

You can learn more about flower care from the video posted at the end of the article, and below are the main points that you need to pay attention to.

The soil in which azalea grows thins out quite quickly, so it needs to be fertilized regularly. The best time Spring and summer are considered for fertilizing.

For feeding, you can use potassium or ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and superphosphate. It is important that the fertilizer does not contain chlorine. In winter, during the budding period, it is recommended to use superphosphate. 15 g of this substance is added to 10 liters of water.

How to properly replant an azalea

An adult plant must be replanted every 3 years - this important point care It is strictly forbidden to do this in winter. It is better to replant after flowering. It is worth remembering that azaleas have a superficial root system. You need to be very careful not to damage it. The roots cannot be cut, as this may lead to the death of the plant.

When transplanting azaleas, you should not disturb the lump of earth that is located around the root system. It is necessary to transship, while adding fresh soil to the existing lump.

When replanting azaleas, only flat pots should be used. In this case, the soil must be compacted tightly and spilled.

How to prune an azalea correctly

For growth and proper development, it is necessary to trim and pinch the azalea stems in a timely manner. Circumcisions must begin in early May. The more lush the bush is, the less abundant the flowering will be. It is necessary to completely remove all weak and excess leaves. All shoots from the previous year are also shortened.

Circumcision helps to create a healthy and beautiful bush. This procedure is best carried out by first selecting the most favorable days according to the lunar calendar.

For pruning, it is better to use sharp pruning shears that are wiped with alcohol.

When buying an azalea, you should be prepared for the fact that this plant is very capricious. In order for it to bloom and grow, it is important to strictly observe all care conditions.

Azalea does not tolerate heat very well and prefers cool weather. Maximum temperature contents should not exceed 18 degrees. In winter, the plant can be placed in closed loggias as long as the temperature remains above zero. During frosts, it is recommended to bring it indoors, but it is worth protecting the azalea from dry air and radiators.

At low temperatures, this plant blooms more luxuriantly and does not shed its flowers for a long time. Some gardeners even line the edges of the pot with ice to achieve maximum effect.

Azaleas need adequate lighting. But direct sunlight can destroy it. At the same time, the leaves begin to curl and the buds fall off. To avoid this, you should choose a bright or slightly dark place.

How to water an azalea and whether it needs to be sprayed

Particular attention should be paid to watering. Azalea is a moisture-loving plant, so it is important to monitor the soil when caring for it. It should be constantly moist, but not soggy. Azalea does not tolerate hard water very well. For irrigation, it is better to use rain or distilled water. If you use water from the tap, then it must be left for a long time, or better yet, boiled.

It is necessary to water every morning. But you should carefully monitor the pan and not allow liquid to stagnate in it. This can have a detrimental effect on the development of the plant.

If, nevertheless, the soil of the azalea turns out to be dry and the plant withers, then urgent measures need to be taken. The flower pot must be placed in water for several hours. In this case, the plant will absorb required amount liquids. In this case, watering is resumed after 2 days.

It is very important to carry out daily spraying, especially in summer and dry air. In autumn, this procedure is not carried out as often. It is worth remembering that it is not recommended to spray the plant when flowering.

Reproduction of azaleas at home

Reproduction of azaleas is a rather complex process. It is carried out using seeds, cuttings or division. When caring at home, the propagation method most often used is cuttings. The most successful period for this is considered to be from May to August, after the azalea has completely bloomed.

For propagation, cuttings are taken from the tops of the plant. On average, their length should be 5 cm. It is necessary to carefully prepare the cuttings, completely removing all the lower leaves. After this, it must be rooted in a mixture of sand and peat.

It is recommended to cover the top of the cuttings with a jar or use plastic film. On average, rooting occurs within 3 weeks at a temperature of 25C, but this process can take up to 2 months. Therefore, there is no need to rush, and you need to care for the plant more carefully during this period. After this procedure, the first flowers can be expected only after a few years.

Azaleas can also be propagated by dividing an adult bush into separate parts. In this case, the plant must be older than 3 years. In this case, it is worth placing a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot. After planting, the azalea is thoroughly watered and the top is trimmed.

Propagation by seeds and by grafting at home is practically not used. These methods are most often used by professional flower growers to breed new varieties.

Pests and main diseases of azalea

Azalea is susceptible to attack by a large number of different pests. These include:

Greenhouse aphid. This pest lives in large colonies. If it is present, severe curling of the leaves occurs, as well as a severe delay in the development of the azalea. It stops blooming and its appearance becomes unattractive.

Red tick. It has an orange color. The mite is located on the underside of leaves that turn brown and wither.

Greenhouse whitefly. Most often it appears in autumn and spring. The whitefly sucks the sap from the plant, which can lead to the death of the azalea. You can notice the presence of the pest by discolored leaves and their death.

Greenhouse thrips. When it appears, brown spots and black specks appear on the leaves. The plant stops growing, and the leaves turn yellow and fly off.

Strawberry mite. The most common and most dangerous pest for azalea. It affects not only shoots, but also buds, flowers, and buds. The leaves may curl, dry out, or change color. The azalea begins to grow worse, the flowers practically do not form or have an ugly shape.

Most often, to combat pests, they resort to wiping the plant with a soapy sponge, as well as treating the flower with special solutions.

In addition to pests, azalea can die from improper care. For example, yellowing of leaves occurs as a result of high levels of clay in the soil. The short flowering period is associated with high temperature indoors and dry air. The cause of leaf falling may be insufficient watering.

How to choose an azalea

When purchasing azaleas, you should pay attention to medium-sized plants. Large specimens have a rather difficult time adapting to new conditions, while small specimens may not have enough strength. It is necessary to carefully examine each leaf. They should be free of cobwebs, stains or insects.

It is recommended to buy azaleas with buds or ones that have already faded. If there are dry leaves, this indicates that the plant is overdried. In this case, there is a high probability that it may die. If the azalea has large dark green leaves, this may indicate that the azalea is being fed with hormones. In this case, you should refuse the purchase. The plant needs to be shaken a little and checked so that the leaves do not fall off.

With proper care, azalea blooms very beautifully and can lift the owner’s mood and relieve him of depression.

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Azalea – wayward indoor flower. In order for the plant to delight with amazing flowering for several months, it needs appropriate care. Azalea needs appropriate lighting, abundant watering, temperature control, fertilizer, as well as timely pruning and replanting.

How to care for azalea - lighting

When arranging the flower, it is worth considering that azalea requires diffused light, because it does not tolerate direct sunlight. sun rays. Or it should be partial shade. In summer, the plant can be taken outside; it must be placed in a cool place where there is mostly shade. In an apartment, the best location is a western or eastern window. For azaleas, the presence of heating radiators near them is considered a detrimental factor. Therefore, close proximity should be avoided.

How to care for an azalea - watering

• Azaleas need plenty of watering. The health of the flower depends on proper hydration. Never allow the soil in the pot to dry out, but the tray should also be empty. For irrigation, you need clean precipitation or melt water; if this is not available, then you need to boil the tap water or let it sit for a day. The water temperature should match the room temperature.
• It is very important to maintain soil acidity. The water should be acidified two or three times a month. For a liter of water you need to add a couple of crystals of citric acid.
• It is also necessary to regularly spray the azalea with water, especially during the heating season. Because hot batteries dry out the air a lot.
• Peat soil is often used for planting, but when it dries, it hardens into a lump. Therefore, it must be periodically moistened, namely, place the flower pot in a container of water.
• Loosening the soil in a pot can lead to the death of the plant, since azalea has small roots that can be accidentally damaged.
• If your plant is in a cool place, then in winter you can put snow or pieces of ice on the soil in the pot, which will melt and provide moisture. But this option is not suitable for warm houses and apartments, since a sharp rise in temperature can negatively affect the development of the flower.

How to care for azalea - temperature regime

The acceptable temperature for growing azaleas is 8 – 16 degrees. However, when proper watering, moistening, the flower takes root even at a temperature of 21 - 22 degrees. If the flower was located outside in the summer, then as winter approaches it is necessary to bring it into the house before turning on the heating, since the temperature difference will cause the flower to become diseased. It is recommended to keep azaleas at a temperature of no more than 18 degrees during the flowering period. In winter, it is necessary to periodically spray the flower, thereby moistening it. Because temperature regime the content of this plant is slightly lower than in your home, you can artificially provide the flower with the necessary conditions. To do this, gardeners place pieces of ice on the soil in a pot or water and spray with chilled water.

How to care for azalea - fertilizer

For proper development, azaleas must be fertilized. The choice of fertilizer depends on the time of year, namely:

• in the spring and summer months, with mineral fertilizers once every 2 weeks;
• in the autumn-winter months, feeding consisting of potassium and phosphorus once every 2 weeks.

Carefully study the dosage of fertilizing so as not to burn the plant.

How to care for azalea - pruning and replanting

In order for the azalea to bloom magnificently, it must be periodically pruned, pinched and replanted.

• Shoots should be trimmed in early summer or immediately after flowering. Weak or overgrown shoots need to be plucked.
• For abundant flowering The stems should be pinched. Young shoulder straps need to be pinched.
• Young shoots that are located near the buds must be removed immediately.
• A young azalea needs to be replanted every year after flowering, and an adult flower needs to be replanted every 3 years.
• The pot for transplanting should be selected according to the following criteria: wide, but not deep.
• Azaleas are bred in the summer from cuttings.

Azalea is demanding in terms of care, but it thanks you for your work with bright, lush, long-lasting flowering!

Azalea (rhododendron) - rightfully on the list of the most beautiful indoor plants. Bright flowers bloom in the depths of winter, adding a unique atmosphere to the room. However, this beauty is very whimsical and requires constant attention.

Who is Azalea

The homeland of azaleas (or rhododendrons) is the humid highlands of the northern hemisphere. In nature, the height of these plants ranges from 10 cm to 10 m.

When in the mid-18th century, the Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus described 3 evergreen and 6 deciduous plants from this family, he classified the first as rhododendrons, and the latter as azaleas. Since then, rhododendrons, which are grown in closed ground(at home or in greenhouses) are called azaleas.

This plant is quite whimsical. However, all the care efforts are justified by the luxurious flowers that azalea bestows on its owners.

The stems and leaves of the plant are poisonous; azalea should be kept away from small children and pets.

Azaleas varieties

• Indian. The main ancestor of indoor azalea varieties is natural look Indian rhododendron, or Simsa, growing in humid mountain forests. He gave rise to many different hybrids. The flowers are large, bright, pink-red, up to 5 cm in diameter, usually located 2–6 in the leaf axils. There are other colors: white, yellow, red, cream, and two-color.
• Japanese. The flowers are smaller than those of the Indian one. Japanese azalea is grown in the garden mainly in regions with a mild and humid climate. Flower colors are white, lilac, pink, red and red-orange.
• Deciduous varieties. Series hybrid varieties, descended from the Pontian azalea. These are shrubs 1–1.5 m in height. The flowers are very bright: white, yellow, orange, red, pink. They bloom at the same time or before the leaves bloom. Winter-hardy, can withstand temperatures down to -29 o C.

Photo gallery: azalea varieties

Deciduous varieties of azaleas are winter-hardy
Japanese azalea is grown in regions with mild and humid climates.
Indian azalea - the ancestor of the most popular varieties

Living conditions in different seasons (table)

Planting and transplanting

As a rule, azaleas are bought or given as a flowering plant. After the plant has flowered, the plant needs to be replanted.

It is not common to find indoor plants that require acidic soil with a pH level of 4–4.5. For planting, it is better to buy special soil for azaleas (or acidophilic plants, i.e. those that love acidic soil), since it is quite difficult to collect it yourself. Don't forget about the drainage at the bottom of the pot.

The azalea's root system is superficial, so the pot will need to be shallow and wide. The roots are very delicate, so the azalea is replanted by transferring an earthen clod. Then simply add the required amount of soil to the new pot.

Azaleas up to 3 years old are replanted annually in late spring, and older ones - once every 2 or 3 years.

Azalea care

Watering

The soil in the pot should always be moist - but not soggy. For irrigation, it is ideal to use rain or melt water, or, in the absence of such, settled water. Since azaleas love an acidic environment, you can periodically add lemon juice to the watering water (5-7 drops per 1 liter of water). Many gardeners use this method of watering: they pour it not into the pot at the root, but into a tray, and the plant itself “pulls out” the required amount of water.

Top dressing

For feeding, you should use a special fertilizer for azaleas. Feeding schedule: in spring and summer - weekly (the fertilizer must be prepared in accordance with the instructions). In winter and autumn, when buds are forming, the plant should be watered with a superphosphate solution (15 g of substance per 10 liters of water).

Trimming

Proper, timely pruning of an azalea bush is the key to high-quality, abundant flowering. Pruning is done in May. New shoots are pinched so that 4–5 leaves remain on them. If a shoot appears near a flower bud, it is cut off.

You can choose the type of crown - tree-like or bush-like. To make a small tree, you need to select the strongest branch (this will be the trunk), and cut off the remaining shoots. The trunk should be tied to a support for stability. When the height of the shoot reaches the right size, the top is pinched, after which the plant begins to branch. After this, you sometimes need to turn the plant, pinching the shoots, achieving a ball shape.

To form a bush, shoots are pinched at a distance of 10 cm from the surface of the ground. To ensure uniform development of the branches, turn the pot from time to time.

In subsequent years, this form is maintained, and weak branches that thicken the crown and unhealthy branches also need to be removed.

Flowering period

Azalea flowers are magnificent - their decorative nature attracts gardeners. Cut flowers stay fresh for a long time; one inflorescence can easily replace a bouquet. The plant blooms in winter, bringing spring freshness into winter everyday life.

The bud, swelling, produces 2–4 buds. When the flowers fade, they need to be removed along with the flower stalks, then the bush will delight with flowering longer. It is also necessary to remove the seed pods, since the plant expends energy on ripening the seeds.

Rest period

At the end of spring, when flowering ends, azaleas enter a dormant period. The plant is pruned, replanted if necessary, removed to partial shade or taken out into the garden. Watering, spraying and fertilizing do not stop.

Table: care errors and ways to eliminate them

Photo gallery: problems when growing azaleas

Many gardeners are happy to grow Azaleas on their plots. This decorative flower attracts many with its beautiful appearance. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it blooms in winter, when everyone around is so lacking in bright colors.

Homeland and distinctive characteristics of indoor azalea

The plant is a deciduous small bush with beautiful flowers, similar to roses. Azalea was first discovered in China. To this day, it can be found in nature in the countries of China, India and Japan, where plants create entire thickets.

Translated, Azalea means “dry.” And in fact, until the bush blooms, the plant can be mistaken for a long-dried bush with small, rough leaves that look like paper. Based on its appearance, in Asia the plant is called a British rose, and in Germany - an alpine rose.

With proper care, an indoor flower will bloom very beautifully and profusely, to the point that the leaves simply will not be noticeable under the flowers.

Technology for growing azaleas at home

Azalea requires difficult care, the plant is so capricious that even experienced gardeners they become confused. Most often, a donated shrub dies or becomes frail after flowering, and even more often after transplantation, due to improper care. The main mistake of inexperienced flower growers is ignorance of the distinctive features of Azalea. Most often they use the same care as for other indoor flowers.

Azalea and garden rhododendron are almost identical plants, although there are still differences. Currently everything garden species This plant is called rhododendron, and indoor plants are called azalea. They both look simply incomparable, as in winter garden, and on any windowsill.

Soil and flower pot

Due to the fastidiousness of Azalea, it is better to buy soil that has already been specially prepared for planting this flower. For excellent results better purchase carry out in a proven place so that there is exact confidence that the selected soil meets all quality standards. The soil must contain inorganic substances, to increase its acidity. Specialists selecting the composition of the soil replace the unique heather soil with coniferous soil. Before planting, it must be thoroughly drained.

It is better to opt for a large and light pot. Thanks to its shallow root system, Azaleas do not need a very deep pot.

Lighting and temperature conditions

Azalea prefers cool weather. The most optimal temperature is 12 degrees. In the winter months, which coincide with the flowering period, fulfilling this requirement will not be difficult. A place away from the battery is all that is needed. In summer, the plant is in a state of relative dormancy. At this time, it is best to take the pot out into the garden or vegetable garden and place it in the shade of trees. When the first buds appear, the temperature should be much lower, about 6-8 degrees. Sometimes, to ensure a similar temperature, Azalea is placed in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf.

But nothing special is required from lighting. How most of indoor flowers, Azalea prefers bright, diffused light and does not tolerate direct sunlight.

Features of growing azaleas (video)

Growing azaleas from seeds

In order to grow a normal plant from a seed, you need to know a certain technology:

• Planting begins in early March. Sifted, moderately moist soil is required. Under no circumstances should you sprinkle the seeds with soil, this will make it difficult for young shoots to germinate.
• For irrigation, use a sprayer with a special solution (add 0.3 grams of sulfuric or oxalic acid per 1 liter of water).
• Germination rate is approximately 70 percent. The initial shoots appear already on the 8th day, and full germination lasts more than 2 weeks.
• After the leaves appear, the seedlings spread out at a short distance from each other.
• At the end of summer, for transplantation separately, you need to select the right pot(pot diameter no more than 8 cm).

How to water rhododendron correctly

Constant moderate irrigation is the main point in growing Azaleas. The main thing is to maintain proper balance of moisture in the soil. Too much water can cause the soil to become excessively damp, which is unacceptable for Azaleas. Besides It is also unacceptable to overdry the soil. In this case, the flower may begin to shed its leaves. For irrigation, only softened water should be used. A little acidified with apple cider vinegar or lemon water (add 10-15 drops per 1 liter).

Fertilizing scheme

It is necessary to fertilize Azalea during the appearance of the first flowers and until the very end of flowering. It is better not to conduct any experiments with fertilizers, but to buy them in trusted places and use them according to the written instructions.

How to care for azaleas in winter at home

In winter, the air in the apartment is dry. The plant should be watered daily and carefully, especially at the beginning heating season. When irrigating, be careful not to get moisture on the leaves. There are 2 ways to overwinter a plant: cold and warm.. The first involves keeping the flower in a zone of low temperatures (+2-4 degrees). Since plants require a lot of energy during the flowering period, the soil must be constantly fed. Young shoots that have arisen near the flower buds need to be plucked out. A greening plant can be moved from place to place, but after flowering it must be installed in permanent place and don't touch it.

How to trim an azalea (video)

Varieties of azalea

Anyone who has seen Azalea during the flowering period understands that it is very difficult to tear yourself away from this unusual spectacle. Luxurious snow-white, pink, purple, yellow and red hats stun the human imagination. For this reason, all gardeners and hobbyists dream of adding Azalea to their collection.

There are more than 600 species of Azalea. Only a few of them are common in Russia. And all the diversity and riot of colors are created by Azalea hybrids (the most popular is Indica mix), created by crossing deciduous and evergreens. Their habitat is the countries of America, Europe, and Asia.

However, today, breeders use other variations of Azalea varieties. As a result, specialists received a huge variety unusual plants with an amazing shape of inflorescences. Descriptions of varieties and their photos will help everyone decide on the choice of a specific Azalea for everyone.

Japanese azalea is an excellent decoration for any greenhouse or garden. IN room conditions the bush can grow up to 60 centimeters. Often, mature plant, takes on the appearance of a dense pillow, completely strewn with open flowers and buds. The white beauty pleases the eye all winter.

The flowers of this variety of Azaleas are small, but they are located next to each other, which creates the effect of a lush bedspread. The plant is common among amateurs due to its rather unpretentious nature.

This variety was obtained by crossing rhododendron simsi. In indoor conditions, this plant grows into a small bush (40-50 cm). In nature, there are a huge number of species of Indian Azaleas, differing in their flowering periods, colors, shape and size of inflorescences.

If compared with the Japanese variety, then in this case the flowers are much larger and brighter. They can be terry or corrugated with smooth or plain edges. Indian azalea is very rarely found in yellow or orange color, and purple or blue flowers do not exist in nature at all.

Azalea Vogel

This variety is the most beautiful of all known varieties. The bush can reach 50 centimeters in height. Lush inflorescences can be any color from pink to purple. Azalea Vogel requires very complex and time-consuming care. Most often, a flowering plant purchased in a store cannot adapt to indoor conditions and dies, so before purchasing, you must carefully study the care instructions.

Azalea Niobe

This variety can grow up to 70 cm. The diameter of its flowers does not exceed 8 centimeters. They can be white or light green with red specks on the double petals.

This variety has single flowers, up to 7 cm in diameter. Their funnel-shaped shape goes well with lilac or bright crimson color. This variety is often used as a rootstock for plants, which grow very poorly.

Azalea Celestina

This variety is a medium-height bush. It is grown mainly in the garden. The flowers have a bright crimson color. They are smooth, small in size (up to 6 cm), pointed at the ends.

This variety differs from the rest in small dark green leaves and bright double flowers of pale pink color. The petals are semi-double with intact edges. This variety blooms for only 20 days. The most basic difference between this pink beauty is that it cannot be irrigated during the flowering period.

Azalea verveniana mitterfuch

This variety has not bright green-gray leaves with sharp ends. But its main difference is the unusual pink color of the petals. Wide stripes on huge flowers look quite extravagant. The flowering period of this variety is also short, less than 20 days. At this time, spraying is contraindicated.

Madame Jean Peters

This variety is distinguished by bright pink small double inflorescences. The wavy petals change their tone from light to dark towards their edges.

Why doesn't a houseplant bloom?

In order for Azalea to delight others with colorful blooms at the dullest time of the year, it is necessary to comply with all important factors affecting the plant. Failure to comply with them may result in a lack of flowering.

1. During the formation of flower buds, it is necessary to maintain the required air temperature in the room (from +6 to + 8 degrees).
2. Need to create correct lighting. Azaleas need bright lighting without direct sunlight on the plant.
3. It is necessary to constantly irrigate the plant, but within normal limits.
4. Constant pruning and pinching of shoots leads to lush, healthy flowering.
5. Must be used for feeding mineral fertilizers without chlorine.

Flower diseases and pests

The plant may be susceptible to attack by aelia moth, greenhouse whitefly and mealybug.

Aelia moth damages Azalea leaves. B Without human intervention, caterpillars can crawl onto healthy leaves until they destroy everything. The greenhouse whitefly is a carrier of many viral bacteria and diseases, including sooty fungus.

Various mites can also harm Azaleas. When a strawberry mite gets on a plant, the plant stops growing and gradually dies. Red disrupts the functioning of the queen cells of adult Azaleas. As a result, all the leaves turn brown, dry out and fall off.

To prevent these pests, various specialized commercial chemicals are used.

How to plant an azalea (video)

Azalea is popular among gardeners all over the world. And this is connected not only with the beautiful appearance flower, but also with its flowering period, because it falls at a time when the majority of indoor plants are in a dormant period. For this reason, Azalea is often given as a chic bouquet in winter.