Cultivation methods and precautions of Rhododendron

How to plant Rhododendron sabdariffa

Planting time

The Rhododendron sabdariffa is a low-bulb plant, and its cultivation is mainly based on bulbs. Choose a suitable flowerpot according to the size of the bulbs. If maintained properly, the large bulbs can bloom in the same year.

The planting time is usually in autumn. If you miss the autumn, you can store the bulbs in moist sand and wait until autumn to plant them. When planting plants, you should choose loose, fertile soil with good drainage. Poor soil quality can easily cause the bulbs to rot.

Planting Spacing

When planting, ensure a certain spacing, about 30 cm for large bulbs, 20 cm for medium bulbs, and 7~8 cm for small bulbs. Do not cover the soil too deeply after planting, 3 to 4 cm is enough.

Cultivation method of Rhododendron sabdariffa

Environmental requirements

The Rhododendron sabdariffa is a wild flower in the north and is not that pretentious. After the bulbs germinate, pay attention to supplementing sunlight. Normal light does not require shading, and ensure more than 6 hours of light per day.

Pay attention to the humidity. It should not be too dry or too wet. When the weather is fine, place the plant outdoors. Do not allow too much water to accumulate to avoid root rot.

weeding

As a herbaceous flower, many small weeds will grow around the rhododendron, competing with the plants for nutrients. During the growing period, weed frequently and pull them out directly. During the seedling stage, the soil should be loosened frequently to ensure sufficient oxygen in the soil. However, in the later stage, when the rhizomes mature and the roots emerge on the soil surface, you must be careful when loosening the soil to avoid damaging the roots.

Pest control

From April to May, the Rhododendron sabdariffa flowers will grow rapidly and gradually produce buds. During this process, it is easy to encounter underground pests such as cutworms and white grubs, which are difficult to prevent and control, so the bulbs must be disinfected and the roots can be irrigated with disinfectant every month during maintenance.

Precautions for cultivating Rhododendron

Dry in the sun

The red hollyhock likes a sunny and dry environment. Its roots are suitable for a cool environment and cannot be stuffy. A high temperature and humid environment can easily cause root rot. Pay attention to timely ventilation and loosen the soil frequently in summer.

Hibernation

Bulbous plants have a distinct dormant period. They bloom from June to July, the stems and leaves above the ground will gradually wither in August, and the above-ground parts will all die in September, at which time the bulb enters a dormant period. Take care to protect the bulbs, and replant them next year, and they will continue to bloom.