Azalea Flowering Management

Flowering period

Rhododendrons normally bloom in April and May, so you should start paying attention around April! The flowering period of azalea lasts about 40 days. If conditions permit, the temperature can be lowered to delay the flowering time.

Flowering period maintenance

Avoid rain

During the flowering period of azalea, rain should be avoided, especially those grown outdoors should be moved indoors or to a sheltered place. If azalea is exposed to rain during its flowering period, it can easily cause the color of the flowers to fade, affecting its viewing experience.

Reduce light and increase humidity

In the early stage of flowering, azaleas should be moved to a place with sufficient scattered light for maintenance. They should not be placed directly in the sun, otherwise the flower color will fade or even the petals will be burned. In addition, the relative humidity of the air around the azalea should be maintained, and water can be sprinkled on the ground frequently, but be careful not to carelessly splash water onto the branches, leaves or flowers when watering.

Move indoors

When potted azaleas are not in bloom, most families will choose to place them on the terrace for maintenance. When they bloom, they will want to move them indoors to enjoy the flowers, but the time to bring them indoors is important. Usually, the plant is moved to a well-lit place indoors when 1/3 of the flowers on the plant have bloomed. If it is moved indoors too early, the azalea will not bloom due to insufficient light, resulting in dull color.

After moving indoors, the room should be ventilated frequently. At night, the plant can be moved outdoors (to the terrace) to receive night dew.

Moist soil

During the flowering period, the dryness and wetness of the potting soil should be kept relatively stable. It should not be too dry or too wet, otherwise it will affect the quality of flowering and shorten the flowering period.

Post-flowering care

Removing flowers

When all the azalea flowers have opened and even some have begun to wither, all the flowers should be removed in time to ensure nutrients for the normal growth of the plant. Don't feel sorry at this time. The most beautiful time of the flowers has passed. The flowers still remain on the branches, but they are just consuming nutrients and have little ornamental value.

Move outside

After removing the flowers, move the plants outdoors and spray them with thiophanate-methyl solution to prevent insects. Fertilize once a week, you can choose a mixture of nitrogen fertilizer and ferrous sulfate. Then normal management can be carried out. Growing flowers in this way can prevent the plants from aging prematurely and ensure that they will bloom normally next year.