How to grow azalea (home growing method)

1. Breeding methods

1. Sunlight: Rhododendron is not suitable for exposure to the sun, but it can be grown under scattered light. Too much sunlight can cause leaf burns, leaf edge wilting, and even death. Therefore, it is necessary to provide shade in time during the summer noon, or place it in a semi-shaded place.

2. Soil: Rhododendron has certain requirements for soil. In addition to good drainage, it is best to have acidic soil. Generally, leaf mold and sandy soil are mixed together, and a small amount of cake fertilizer is introduced as base fertilizer.

3. Watering: When watering azalea, the soil should not be too dry or too wet, just keep it slightly moist. Generally, water every two to three days in spring and autumn. It needs watering every day in summer and only watering when the soil is completely dry in winter. The water quality must also be strictly controlled. It can be acidified with ferrous sulfate or acetic acid before use, and the temperature should be close to room temperature.

4. Fertilization: Fertilization of azalea is very demanding. In early spring, organic fertilizer can be added to the flower pot as base fertilizer. After the flowering period, apply fertilizer once every 15 days. When the branches stop growing, you can stop fertilizing. Top dressing once in autumn is beneficial for overwintering, but it is not advisable to apply fertilizer in winter.

2. Breeding techniques

There are many ways to propagate azalea, including cuttings, grafting, layering, division and sowing. Cuttings are the most common method, usually carried out in May and June. Select branches of the current year, cut into 10 cm node segments, keep 3-4 leaves on the top, and remove the rest. Insert the cuttings 3-4 cm into the potting soil, compact and water thoroughly, wait for them to take root and then transplant them.

3. Pest and disease control

1. Diseases: root rot, brown spot, black spot, etc. The diseased branches and leaves should be cut off and sprayed with pesticides to prevent recurrence.

2. Pests: Common ones include red spiders, aphids, etc. Wipe away pests with a damp rag, then spray with pesticide to kill larvae.