How to change the soil and pot of azalea

The role and requirements of changing soil and pots for azalea

Rhododendron, also known as mountain azalea and mountain red, is a deciduous shrub of the Ericaceae family. There are more than 530 species distributed in China, and the varieties can be divided into spring azalea, spring-summer azalea, summer azalea and western azalea. Rhododendrons need to be repotted after two or three years of cultivation. It is best to repot in early spring or late autumn when the temperature is suitable for root recovery.

Function : Azaleas need to be repotted because the nutrients in the soil in the pot are limited. As the flowers grow, the nutrients will be in short supply, so the pots and soil must be changed frequently to allow them to grow healthily.

Requirements : Azalea likes coolness, and it is best to repot in an environment of 12℃ to 25℃. It is generally best to repot in spring and autumn, and then place it under scattered light for growth and maintenance.

How to change soil and pot for azalea

1. Removal from the pot : Stop watering the azalea for 2 days before removing it from the pot to allow the soil to dry. Pat the bottom of the pot appropriately to separate the plant from the pot, remove the old soil around the roots of the plant, and cut off the old, rotten, and diseased roots of the azalea.

2. Prepare the soil : Add base fertilizer to leaf mold and sandy soil for azalea and mix well for later use. Use a low ceramic pot and fill soil only at the bottom of the pot and around the soil lump.

3. Planting : Place the azalea plant in the pot, straighten its position and allow the roots to spread out, then fill it with culture soil and compact it slightly. The culture soil should not be too full, about 3 cm lower than the edge of the pot, to facilitate watering in the future.

Main points for caring for azalea after changing soil

After repotting the azalea, it needs to be watered once to help it take root, and then placed in a shaded, ventilated place for care. Avoid exposure to sunlight and do not fertilize. It will generally take about a week to adapt to the new pot.