What should I do if the leaves of azalea turn yellow and dry like rust?

Rhododendrons are loved for their beautiful flowers, but they are relatively sensitive and difficult to care for. Many flower lovers often encounter problems such as burnt leaf tips, yellowing of the entire leaf, or even drying up when caring for rhododendrons. Sometimes rust spots appear on the leaves. So what should we do if the leaves of azalea turn yellow and dry like rust?

1. Pot soil problem

Phenomenon: Newly purchased azaleas usually use garden soil that is highly sticky, poorly air-permeable, and low in nutrients. Failure to change the soil for a long time will cause the soil to become compacted, root respiration to be blocked, and the plant's nutrient supply to be insufficient, resulting in yellowing leaves, falling leaves, and even wilting.

Solution: Repot and change the soil in time, choose slightly acidic culture soil with high organic matter content, such as leaf mold and pine needle soil, and match it with vermiculite, coarse sand and other media with good air permeability, and add appropriate amount of base fertilizer.

2. Dry environment

Phenomenon: Rhododendron prefers warm and humid environment. A dry environment will cause the leaves to dry up and fall off.

Solution: Provide a suitable environment. Especially in winter, indoor heating equipment will make the air dry, so it is necessary to sprinkle water frequently to increase the humidity. Avoid placing it around air outlets or heating equipment.

3. Insufficient light

Phenomenon: Long-term lack of light will cause the branches to grow too long, the leaves to become weak, turn yellow and fall off, or even stop flowering.

Solution: Adjust the light according to the season. In spring and autumn, scattered light is acceptable. In summer, shade and sun protection are required. In winter, more sun exposure is allowed. Pay attention to the ambient humidity and avoid direct sunlight that may burn the leaves.

4. Improper fertilization

Phenomenon: Excessive fertilizer concentration or frequent fertilization will burn the root system, causing yellow leaves and withering.

Solution: Apply thin fertilizers frequently, and fertilize appropriately according to the growth stage. Supplement nitrogen fertilizers during the vigorous growth period, and supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the bud formation and flowering period to avoid excessive fertilizer and water concentration.

5. The soil in the pot is too wet

Phenomenon: Long-term excessive moisture in the potting soil affects root respiration, leading to root rot, which in turn causes yellowing and wilting of leaves.

Solution: Water reasonably, follow the principle of watering when the soil is dry and wet. Sprinkle water in summer to cool down and increase humidity. Keep the soil slightly moist in winter. Turn the pot when necessary, and re-pot after disinfection.

6. Other matters needing attention:

Apply organic fertilizer regularly to improve soil looseness. Keep the maintenance environment well ventilated to avoid diseases and pests. During the summer rainy season, pay attention to the prevention and control of diseases such as brown spot, remove diseased leaves in time, and spray pesticides for prevention and control.

In short, the problem of azalea leaves turning yellow and drying up like rust is mostly caused by improper maintenance. It can be effectively avoided by understanding its growth habits, reasonably adjusting water, fertilizer, light, temperature and humidity, and keeping the environment ventilated.