When is the right season to repot azalea?

Rhododendron has a very high ornamental value, but if the azalea is not repotted for a long time, the soil nutrients may be lost and the growth of the root system may be inhibited. Therefore, it is recommended to repot it every 2-3 years. So when is the right season to repot azaleas? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. When is the right season to repot azalea?

1. Repotting in spring

Spring is the peak growth season for azaleas. Repotting at this time can make full use of its growth vitality and promote the growth of new roots. The temperature gradually rises in spring, but has not yet reached the high temperature level of summer. Such climatic conditions are conducive to azaleas adapting to the new environment and reducing growth problems caused by high temperatures.

2. Repotting in autumn

Autumn is the peak period of root growth for azaleas. Repotting at this time can provide more growth space for the roots, which is conducive to their healthy growth. The cool climate in autumn is conducive to the growth and recovery of azaleas after repotting, and reduces damage caused by high temperature or dryness.

2. How to repot azalea

1. Prepare the soil

Choose a slightly larger flower pot so that the azalea roots can fully expand. Prepare slightly acidic and fertile soil with strong drainage ability. You can use leaf mold, river sand and garden soil, and mix them in a ratio of 7:2:1.

2. Remove from the basin

Before removing the flower from the pot, you can stop watering for a day or two to allow the soil in the pot to dry and become slightly hardened. Then pat the outer wall of the pot with your hands to disperse the soil and the pot. Next, use a small shovel to make a circle on the inner wall of the flowerpot, hold the trunk of the plant, and gently remove it from the pot. If the soil is tightly connected to the flowerpot, you can try to pat the bottom of the flowerpot hard, or turn the flowerpot sideways and step on it to break the connection between the soil and the flowerpot.

3. Prune the roots

Place the dug azalea in clean water, or shake off the soil and soak it in water, shaking it a few times to thoroughly clean the roots. Then, use scissors or a knife to trim off roots that are too long, too dense, and rotten, old roots. When pruning, avoid damaging the taproot of the azalea plant. After pruning, you can soak the roots in a carbendazim solution for about 20 minutes to sterilize and disinfect them. Afterwards, place the azalea in a cool and ventilated place to dry the roots.

4. Put it in a new pot

Place a layer of peat or sand in the bottom of the new pot to improve drainage. Place the plant in its new pot and add new soil until the pot is full, pressing the soil lightly. Water thoroughly immediately after repotting to allow full contact between the soil and the roots.

5. Maintenance points

Place the plant in a semi-shaded environment, maintain the humidity in the air, and the temperature should be kept at around 20 degrees Celsius. Avoid direct sunlight and spray water mist regularly to increase humidity. Pay attention to ventilation to avoid the occurrence of diseases and pests.

The above is an introduction to when to repot azaleas. When repotting azaleas, you should avoid the flowering period of azaleas to avoid damaging the flowers or affecting the ornamental effect. Before repotting, the root system of the azalea should be carefully checked. If there are rotten roots or diseased roots, they should be pruned in time.