How to manage azalea in winter

1. Temperature control

The most commonly raised rhododendrons are the Eastern Rhododendron and the Western Rhododendron. Among them, the Eastern Rhododendron is not afraid of cold and has excellent cold resistance. It can overwinter outdoors except in the Northeast. The Western Rhododendron is more afraid of cold and needs to be kept in an indoor heated room in winter.

2. Get more sun

Azalea is afraid of the scorching sun, but it cannot lack light during maintenance, otherwise it will affect the differentiation of azalea buds. Therefore, in addition to the need to block the strong sun in summer, it can be placed on the east balcony for maintenance in spring and autumn, and on the south balcony for all-day sun in winter.

3. Proper watering

Azalea likes water but is afraid of waterlogging. It is best to weigh the weight of the soil in the pot. When it feels noticeably lighter, water it thoroughly until water flows out from the bottom of the pot. Azalea likes acid and the temperature in the heating room is high. You can also water the flower with fruit peel water once every half a month.

4. Provide plenty of ventilation

In winter, the indoor heating makes the air dry, and the maintenance environment is not ventilated, so azaleas are most likely to drop leaves. In winter, you should open the windows for ventilation at noon when the temperature is high. Move the azalea away from the window when ventilating. You can also put pads on the flower pots to increase ventilation.

5. Avoid fertilizing

In winter when the temperature is low or when the azalea is in bloom, you should not apply fertilizer. You can wait until the azalea has faded in the spring of next year, take 6g each of bean cake and bone meal, divide them into four portions and bury them on the edge of the flowerpot, then water them thoroughly.

6. Cut the remaining flowers lightly

After the azalea has faded, do not prune it heavily. Just pinch off the withered flowers and gently trim the overgrown branches. Wait until the next autumn for the buds to appear again and another batch of flowers to bloom.