Key points for fertilizing azalea

Rhododendron should be fertilized according to the seedlings

The so-called fertilizing according to the seedlings means deciding how to fertilize according to the different growth periods of the azalea plants. No fertilizer is needed during the seedling stage. Generally, you can use fermented dilute liquid fertilizer after a period of growth. After transplanting and establishing in the spring of the second year, you need to apply more nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer to ensure vigorous growth. Generally, azalea reaches adulthood in 2-3 years. You can apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to make the flowers larger and more colorful. As the plants get older, you can apply more nitrogen fertilizer to promote the renewal of branches and leaves.

Rhododendron should be fertilized at the right time

There are mainly three points to timely fertilization. The first is to apply some nitrogen fertilizer during the germination period in early spring. Potassium fertilizer promotes the germination of branches and leaves. The second is to apply some phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the main growing period in spring and autumn to promote the lush branches and leaves of azalea, usually once every 5 to 10 years. The third is that in winter, fertilizer is generally applied as top dressing, and bean cake can be applied as top dressing. This is beneficial to the growth of rhododendrons in winter.

Apply less fertilizer to azalea

When fertilizing azaleas, it is required to use light fertilizer and not too much. Because the roots of azalea are relatively thin, if too much fertilizer is applied and the concentration is high, the nutrients will be difficult to absorb and the plant will lose water. In severe cases, the roots will be burned, and the leaves will turn yellow and wither. At this time, you should stop fertilizing and water to reduce the concentration of fertilizer.

Azalea needs a combination of water and fertilizer

For azalea, water should be controlled before fertilizing, and water should be poured abundantly after fertilizing. The purpose of controlling water before fertilizing is to keep the soil dry. The mixed fertilizer will remain in the soil and cause root rot. The next day after fertilizing, you can water the plants heavily. This is mainly to speed up the dissolution of the fertilizer and enable the plants to absorb it better.

In addition, rhododendrons like green manure water. You can ferment some fertilizers such as vegetable leaves and fruit peels by yourself. Adding an appropriate amount of green manure water when fertilizing will have better results.