How to propagate azalea and what to pay attention to

How to propagate azalea

The ways to propagate azalea include cutting propagation, layering propagation, grafting propagation, and sowing propagation. Azalea seeds can be propagated, and the natural reproduction method is sowing propagation. Azalea cutting propagation is the fastest.

Rhododendron breeding time

The sowing time for azalea is in spring from March to April, and the cutting time is in early summer and late autumn. It is best not to propagate in winter and summer, which will affect rooting and make it difficult for the plants to survive.

How to propagate azalea

Rhododendron division propagation

Peel the sturdy azalea mother plant into several branches, then plant them in pots on a moist, fertile substrate and maintain them in a semi-shaded environment. They will soon take root.

Rhododendron cutting propagation

Rhododendron can be propagated by cuttings at any time in a warm environment, preferably in early summer and autumn. Choose river sand, vermiculite, and peat as the substrate, disinfect it in advance, select the branches that sprouted this year, trim the leaves at the base, and only keep the top 2-3 leaves. Then insert them into the soil, water them enough, provide appropriate shade, and cover them with a film to keep them moist. They will take root in 30 days.

Rhododendron sowing propagation

Most rhododendrons can bear fruit. From October to January of the following year, collect the seeds, place them in a ventilated and cool place to dry, and sow them in pots in March and April in spring. The seeds are small and can be evenly sprinkled in the soil. Cover them with a layer of glass or plastic film after sowing.

Hydroponic azalea propagation

There are two options for growing azalea plants in water. One is to directly select strong branches and insert them in water, and then continue to grow them in water after they take root. However, the cuttings grow slowly and will never bloom if not properly maintained. It requires sufficient patience and skills. The other is to convert the soil-grown azalea into hydroponics, which is the method most people use for hydroponics.

When converting soil-grown azaleas to hydroponics, maintenance is particularly important. The soil-grown roots cannot fully adapt to hydroponics, and most of the original roots may rot and die, causing yellow leaves and falling leaves. At this time, you should pay attention to changing the water frequently, removing yellow leaves in time, pruning rotten roots, and retaining nutrients as much as possible to allow hydroponics roots to grow.

Notes on propagation of azalea

Azalea is suitable for planting in loose, fertile, acidic soil. It should be placed in a semi-shaded environment in the initial stage of maintenance. It can gradually see the sun after it takes root. If the light is very strong in summer, it needs to be shaded. In addition, it is necessary to provide sufficient water to maintain the moistness of the soil and apply thin fertilizer every 10-15 days.