How to propagate azalea by cuttings and precautions

Azaleas are highly ornamental and are usually propagated by cuttings, usually in late spring or early summer. When cutting, choose branches suitable for cuttings, insert them into the soil after a series of treatments, wait for a period of time, and move them to a flowerpot after they take root. With careful care, you can harvest a pot of azaleas.

Rhododendron cutting time

The most suitable time for rhododendron cuttings is in late spring and early summer , because the branches at this time are not woody and not too delicate.

Azalea cutting method steps

1. Prepare the culture soil

It is best to use slightly acidic soil for azalea cuttings. Prepare peat soil, garden soil, and coconut coir, and mix them evenly in a ratio of 4:3:3 as the culture soil.

2. Choose cuttings

Choose semi-lignified branches, and be careful not to use sick or weak branches . Cut 10-15 cm branches, leaving 2-3 buds. Cut off the leaves of the branches, leaving 2-3 leaves, and cut them into half leaves. Use sterilized scissors to cut the bottom of the branches into an oblique cut, and place them in a cool and ventilated place to dry for later use.

3. Cuttings

Prepare a flower pot of suitable size, fill it with culture soil, and poke a few holes with a wooden stick, about 4-5 cm deep . Insert the trimmed azalea branches into the holes and compact the surrounding soil. Water thoroughly once and place it in a diffuse light to wait for rooting. After cutting, water frequently in the first 15 days, and water once every 1-2 days in the later period.

Rhododendron cutting maintenance

1. Watering

When caring for azalea after cuttings, watering is a key point. Do not water too much to cause water accumulation , but do not go without watering for many days . When you see that the soil in the pot is dry, you must add water in time, and occasionally add a small amount of organic fertilizer water.

2. Repotting

If the plant is too big and the pot is too small, you need to repot it . When repotting, it is best to transplant the whole plant including the roots and soil, so that the azalea can recover faster and grow better.