Rhododendron after purchase. Proper care of rhododendron at home

Rhododendron or azalea is one of the most beautiful decorative flowering bushes. This plant can be grown both at home and in garden plot. Depending on the variety, rhododendron flowers have different shades. Proper care and timely processing plants from diseases and pests. By following the recommendations, you can grow a beautiful lush flowering shrub.

Azalea belongs to the heather family. This plant is native to China and Japan and its habitat is wet and cold forests. By crossing, many plant varieties have been obtained, the flowers of which differ in shades. Rhododendron is grown as indoor plant, but species suitable for garden conditions are known.

Indoor rhododendron reaches a height and width of about 45 cm. It blooms in spring with orange, pink, red or white flowers. Some varieties have multi-colored flowers. The leaves of the plant are small, oval, pale green in color and grow on woody twigs. After purchasing an azalea, you should not immediately plant it in open ground, since it may not withstand the harsh winter. It is better to leave the plant in a pot, creating optimal conditions for it.

The most common varieties of rhododendron include:

1. 1 Large-flowered azaleas. These plants shed their leaves in winter. At first they grow as loose bushes up to 1-1.5 m in height, and then strengthen their habit. Prefer a place with sunlight or partial shade, frost resistant.
2. 2 Japanese azaleas. Evergreens requiring sun-protected, shady locations. They are compact and short growing, growing only up to 0.5 m in height.
3. 3 Indian azalea (Rhododendron indica) - has the form of a bush or tree, reaching 60-100 cm in height and large flowers up to 10 cm in diameter. The flowers tend to be shades of pink or red. The color of the petals is with the addition of white or completely white. Plant leaves are preserved all year round, densely located on the branches, dark green, small.

Growing flowers

The lush growth of azaleas and abundant flowering depend on the substrate in which it grows, as well as proper watering. Growing is recommended in soil intended for rhododendrons or soil with peat (pH - 4.5-5.5). The place for the shrub should be lighted, cool and ventilated, and the temperature should be between 15-18°C. In winter it should not exceed 15 °C.

The plant needs regular watering, preferably daily. For these purposes, rain or boiled water should be used. The soil should be constantly moist. IN winter period The substrate should be kept slightly moist. In mid-spring, when the flowering period of rhododendron is over, it is necessary to remove the flowers and trim the plant, giving it a beautiful shape.

In summer, a pot of azalea can be placed in the garden or on the balcony. This should be a partially shaded area. When the first buds appear, the rhododendron should be moved to a room with optimal conditions - not very high temperature and moderate air humidity. Otherwise, the leaves begin to wither and the flowers quickly wither and fall from the bush.

Rules of care

Caring for azalea at home is based on its proper watering. During the flowering period it should be plentiful, and the base of the plant should be constantly moist. In winter, the soil should have little moisture.

Azaleas should be fertilized during the flowering period (late April to July) every two weeks. To do this, use liquid fertilizer that does not contain calcium. Rhododendron purchased from flower shop, cannot be placed directly into a heated room. You should keep it for 2-3 days in a ventilated place with an air temperature of 10-12°C. Too high a temperature and lack of water cause lethargy and leaf fall.

Rhododendron requires appropriate pruning. In spring, dried and frozen shoots are cut off. Old bushes that have lost many lower leaves and look ugly should be rejuvenated by cutting off all shoots, even the thickest ones. After the branches contract over several weeks, many young branches grow from dormant buds. If you are not sure that the bush is strong enough to withstand such a radical reduction, you need to rejuvenate half of the bush in the spring, and the rest next year.

Proper care of rhododendrons after flowering is important. Dried inflorescences are removed, but the new buds that are forming must not be damaged. Due to the fact that rhododendron does not produce fruits and seeds, the bush spends more energy on creating buds and leaves. After flowering, the azalea should be transplanted into a larger pot. The bottom of the container is lined with a layer of expanded clay, and the required amount of acidic soil is added to the ground.

Moderation should be observed when fertilizing rhododendrons. Large doses may negatively affect the plant. You should limit yourself to one or two feedings. The first is produced at the beginning of the growing season. It is aimed at stimulating the flowering process. The next feeding occurs in the summer, it allows the buds to set correctly in the next season. If you frequently fertilize rhododendrons with nitrogen, the bush will be generously covered with leaves, but will not bloom. Therefore, it is worth using superphosphate, rich in phosphorus, which stimulates flowering. For general fertilizing, it is necessary to use organic acidic fertilizers such as ammonium, potassium and magnesium sulfate. Any fertilizer specifically designed for rhododendrons and similar plants will be useful. Alkaline should be avoided mineral products, such as calcium nitrate. They will lead to an increase in soil pH, which is an unfavorable factor for the growth of rhododendrons.

Azalea propagation

To propagate rhododendron, its cuttings are used from July to October or early spring. Young shoots are separated from the main trunk so that a piece of bark remains on them. The shoot is placed in a substrate of peat and sand (proportion 1:3). For this process, it is better to use a specially sealed container or pot covered plastic bag. Seedlings require constant temperature (10-13°C) and moderate humidity. Rooting occurs after 6 weeks.

Young rhododendrons are also obtained by sowing seeds in sand and peat soil. Seeds are sown at the turn of April and May. Lay them out evenly in a mixture of peat or soil and sand. Prepared seeds should be kept in a room with a temperature of 15°C and in a lighted place.

After emergence, young plants need lighting for 14-16 hours a day. After 6 weeks, the seedlings are watered with small doses of diluted fertilizer. When roots at least 2.5 cm long are formed, the seedlings are transferred to separate pots. Rhododendrons obtained from seeds bloom after 5 years.

Diseases and pests

Problems when growing azaleas arise from improper care of the plant. In such cases, damage to rhododendron by various diseases and damage by pests is inevitable. All flowers, buds and leaves showing symptoms of lesions should be immediately removed and burned.

The main diseases and pests of azaleas include:

1. 1 Chlorosis. If rhododendron leaves turn yellow, the bushes may be suffering from iron deficiency. This problem occurs when growing plants in alkaline soils. In this case, the azalea is sprayed every 10 days with magnesium and iron sulfate at a concentration of 0.1%.
2. 2 Yellowing and drying of leaves. These types of changes are most often a sign of dryness. During periods of low air humidity, rhododendrons should be watered generously.
3. 3 Late blight. The leaves turn pale and then turn brown and dry out, curling into tubes. Brown spots can also be observed on the root collar. The fungus that causes the disease spreads through water and contaminated soil, entering the plant through damage to the roots and root collar. If infected, you should increase the air permeability of the soil and apply Fitoverm or Bordeaux mixture.
4. 4 Falling leaves. Azaleas grown in pots respond to sudden changes in environment Therefore, large fluctuations in humidity, temperature and lighting should be avoided.
5. 5 Septoria. Mushroom Septoria azaleae infects wet azalea leaves. The leaf becomes covered with red-brown spots and falls off. The bushes bloom poorly. To protect the plant from disease, direct spraying during watering should be avoided. Fungicides are used to treat infected azaleas.
6. 6 Gray mold. This widespread disease is caused by a fungus Botrytis cinerea, which develops in warm and humid conditions. Large brown spots appear on the leaves and spread rapidly. Their surface is covered with a gray coating. Changes can also occur on azalea shoots. Sick plants are sprayed with suitable fungicides.
7. 7 Aphids. Appears on the tops of shoots and young leaves of azaleas in pots. The leaves turn yellow and become covered with a fungal coating, the shoots stop growing, the flowers have deformed petals. Fungal plaque should be removed damp cloth, and spray the plant with an insecticide. Regular washing of the leaves with water is sometimes sufficient to remove aphids.
8. 8 Spider mite. Infection of a plant can be easily determined by the thin web covering bottom part leaf. Leaves deprived of juice become brownish-gray in color and fall off. The plant should be treated with Agravertin or Actellik. When the first signs of infection appear, washing with soap and water helps.

When buying a rhododendron, you should choose an adult plant with thick and lush leaves, a large number of flowers and underdeveloped buds. Lethargy of flowers and leaves indicates a disease or unsuitable conditions, which will create difficulties in growing the plant at home.

The rhododendron plant comes from the Heather family. Translated, the name rhododendron means pink tree. This is a fairly well-known plant for growing at home, and the common people call it indoor rhododendron.

General information

The plant is distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Less common in Japan, Asia, North America. In the Ukrainian expanses, this plant grows in the subalpine zone, and only Carpathian rhododendron. But only there they call it in their own way “Chervona Ruta”. This species is listed in the Red Book.

The rhododendron flower grows in nature both in groups and as single individuals. It is found on mountain slopes in swampy areas and in the tundra.

Rhododendron is an almost evergreen shrubby plant or trees. Height miniature species ranges from 10 cm to one meter, and there are exceptions, the height of which is about 30 meters.

Leaves of the plant various shapes and in size too. The foliage is arranged in a spiral shape. The leaf shape is an oblong oval with slight pubescence. Inflorescences are presented in racemes or corymbs, sometimes singly. The corolla has a sunny or pinkish tint.

The fruits are formed in the form of capsules with many seeds. There are about 1,300 plant species in the natural environment.

Varieties and types

This is a deciduous species, reaching a height of up to 2 meters. The shoots of the plant are directed upward. The ellipse-shaped foliage is about 4 cm in length and up to 1.5 cm in width. The inflorescences are single, soft purple in color. Flowering begins in mid-summer, after the leaves have fully appeared.

Accelerating bush. The height of this species is about 3 meters. The foliage is oblong, about 12 cm long. The inflorescences are represented by up to 10 flowers in racemes and have a pleasant aroma. Flowering occurs at the end of spring.

This evergreen bush with many leaves reaching a height of 4 meters, but to a greater extent the width of the bush exceeds the height. The shape of the leaf is in the form of an ellipse, about 15 cm long. There are up to 20 flowers in the racemes. The corolla of the flower is purple. Flowering begins at the end of spring.

The accelerating species is about two meters in height. The leaves are shaped like maple leaves and are found at the ends of the stems. The inflorescences are pale pink with splashes, the flower diameter is about 10 cm.

This is a bush, about 2 meters tall. The shape of the bush is decomposed. The foliage is elongated, about 10 cm in length, slightly pubescent. In autumn it has a yellowish-red tint. The inflorescences are scarlet, sunny in color, about 8 cm in diameter with a pleasant aroma. Flowering begins in the last month of spring. Flowering duration is more than a month.

Quite common. Due to the abundance of flowers, leaves are almost completely invisible. Height is about one meter. Inflorescences are bell-shaped. The color of the flower is scarlet, yellow or pink.

This is a small bush up to half a meter in height. Adults of the plant have a dark gray bark tint. The leaves of the species are elongated with a rounded end. Young individuals have an individually pleasant, but more pungent aroma.

The inflorescences of the species have a light pink tint and have no aroma. There are about 15 flowers in the racemes. Flowering lasts throughout the summer.

Height is about 1 meter 20 centimeters. With a brown tint to the bark. The shoots are more accelerating in nature.

The foliage is oblong and oval shaped. WITH inside the leaf is covered with hairs. The flowers are clustered in corymbs of about 8 pieces. The diameter of the inflorescence is about 3 cm. The shade of the petals is light or pale pink. It blooms in spring and is a good honey plant. The hybrid species is quite demanding in care and planting.

Not a large shrub. The shoots are spreading. The foliage is alternate, about 8 cm long, the surface of the leaf is olive in color, and the inside is a less clear shade. Inflorescences on high stalks, about 5 flowers on one. After flowering, a fruit capsule with small seeds is formed. The aroma of the plant is similar to that of fresh strawberries.

Not a three-dimensional tree shaped like a ball. The foliage is narrowed, dense, glossy on the outside. The leaves have a dark olive hue on the outside, and on the inside they have a chocolate hue with small fibers.

The inflorescences are about 7 cm in diameter. Beginning flowering, the petals have a pale pink tint, and by the end they acquire a rich White color. Flowering begins towards the end of spring.

Has a spherical bush. A hybrid plant from Rhododendron katevsbinsky. The species was developed in 1851. The height of the plant is about 3 meters. The foliage is medium sized and elliptical in shape. Inflorescences with a pink tint and purple spots. Flowering begins in late spring and lasts about a month.

Rhododendron planting and care

The planting location should be slightly shaded. Preferably the northern part. It is preferable to plant rhododendron in early spring, in the first months of spring.

Rhododendron is transplanted in the fall before the onset of frost. Also, replanting can be done at any necessary period, only a month before flowering, or after the plant has flowered in a few weeks.

Soil for rhododendrons

The soil for planting should be light, loose with good layer drainage. It is important that the soil is acidic and with sufficient fertilizer. High peat and loamy soil in a ratio of 8:3 are suitable.

It is necessary to avoid stagnation of moisture, otherwise the plant will die. The plant must be planted in a prepared hole about half a meter in diameter and the same depth.

To acidify the soil for rhododendrons. It is necessary to add recycled sawdust from coniferous trees or rotted pine needles.

At home, you can check whether your soil needs acidification. To do this, you will need to pour boiling water over currant or cherry leaves, and when the water has cooled, throw in a little earth. If the water changes color to blue, then the soil needs acidification, if it is red, then it is normal. And if the color changes to green, then the soil is neutral.

Caring for the plant does not require special skills, you just need to loosen the soil and remove weeds in time.

Watering rhododendrons

It is preferable to provide moderate moisture to the plant. Water must be settled or, if possible, rainwater. The soil should be moist to 30 cm deep. You can determine whether watering is necessary by the appearance of the foliage; if they become faded and dull, then moisturizing is necessary.

Rhododendron loves fairly humidified air, about 65%, so it requires frequent spraying of the leaves.

Fertilizer for rhododendrons

The plant should be fertilized starting from early spring until the end of flowering in mid-summer. Fertilize with cow liquid manure along with water in a ratio of 1:15. Before fertilizing, the plant must be watered.

The most practical option fertilizer is used in early spring with mineral and organic complex fertilizers. During flowering with cow dung.

Autumn fertilizers for rhododendrons are necessary after flowering. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are suitable for this.

Pruning rhododendrons

The plant needs to be pruned as needed to create the desired shape. Pruning is done in early spring, before the start of the growing season. Dry shoots are cut off and old branches, about 4 cm thick, are rejuvenated.

Plants that have not overwintered well or are outdated must be completely rejuvenated by cutting off all shoots at a height of about 30 cm from the ground.

Sheltering rhododendrons for the winter

It is necessary to cover the plant if you have hot and frosty winters. To do this, the bush is covered with dry leaves and sawdust. And the shoots themselves are covered with spruce branches and insulated with burlap.

Insulation must be removed after the snow melts in early spring.

Propagation of rhododendrons by cuttings

To do this, cut cuttings from adult large plants about 8 cm long. Place them in a growth stimulator for half a day. And then they are planted in a mixture of peat and sand in a ratio of 3:1, then covered with cellophane, making a greenhouse.

Periodically opening for watering and ventilation. Rooting occurs up to 4.5 months. After rooting, the cuttings are transplanted into a mixture of peat and pine needles.

Reproduction of rhododendrons by layering

To do this, in the spring, dig a young shoot into a small hole about 16 cm deep and sprinkle it with soil, within summer period water, and when rooting occurs, replant separately.

Rhododendron propagation by seeds

The seeds must be sown in a container with prepared peat to a depth of about a centimeter. The container is covered with glass and the soil is periodically ventilated and moistened. The temperature required for seed germination is about 15 degrees.

Rhododendron (Latin name Rhododéndron) is a plant of the Ericaceae family, which includes more than 600 species of evergreen deciduous and semi-deciduous shrubs or small trees. Azaleas, popular indoor and greenhouse plants, also belong to this family.

Total information

Rhododendrons mainly grow in temperate climate zones of the Northern Hemisphere; some species, including Thompson's rhododendron, are found in the Himalayas, China, the countries of Southeast Asia and North America, Australia and New Guinea. In the vastness of Russia you can see about 18 species of rhododendron, mainly in the Caucasus and the Far East.

Various types of rhododendrons are represented in nature by plants various shapes and buildings - some grow up to 30 meters in height and have flowers with a diameter of more than 20 cm, others are low-growing, creeping shrubs with small flowers.

Under natural conditions, rhododendron grows singly or in entire thickets. Prefers wet soils without stagnant water, but can also grow on mountain slopes. Loves high humidity air and shaded places, but it also grows in areas open to the sun.

Some gardeners call indoor rhododendron an azalea, but these plants have some differences - rhododendrons have larger leaves, and the flowers have ten stamens, not five, like azaleas.

This is a small bush flower pot with roundish, glossy and dense leaves and large flowers of various colors - white, pink, bright red, crimson. In shape they are simple, double and flower within a flower with a large number of petals.

Such a variety of colors and shapes invariably attracts flower growers, and they purchase a flower in order to learn how to properly care for it and acquire own experience in this difficult matter, despite the possible “fatal outcome”.

The height of rhododendron growing at home rarely exceeds 40-50 cm, with the exception of specimens grown in the form of a standard tree. In this case, the flower can grow up to 1-1.3 meters.

Indoor rhododendron blooms, depending on the variety, from February to May, or from December to June, flowering is short - only 1-1.5 months. If you create the right conditions for your rhododendron and provide careful care, it will bloom every year.

Agricultural technology

Indoor rhododendron is beautiful, but capricious flower, its cultivation requires certain knowledge and careful care. Even experienced flower growers not always able to take into account all the whims of a flower and care for it so that it develops well and blooms at home - in response to all the efforts and care, the flower begins to wither and dies.

Under natural conditions, rhododendron is able to grow in areas with a cold climate, which means that it needs to be grown at the same temperature as possible at home. The best temperature for a flower will be +15 degrees; in summer it can only be created with the help of an air conditioner, and in a separate room. If this is not possible, keep the flower in a room on the north or east side, in partial shade at a temperature of 20-22 degrees. It cannot be placed in direct sunlight.

According to flower growers, rhododendron at home most often dies due to high temperature and low air humidity.

At home, in the garden or greenhouse, caring for rhododendron includes regular watering, but the soil should not be wet all the time; stagnation of moisture is not allowed. This can cause the development of various diseases. It is best to water through a tray - water is poured for 1-2 hours, then drained.

The water must be clean, without chlorine - filtered, melt or rain. The flower loves acid; sometimes you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the water for irrigation.

To create a rhododendron the necessary conditions depending on air humidity, you can place a tray with wet moss, or any container with water, next to it. During flowering, care also includes daily spraying, but water must be sprayed from a long distance so that large drops do not fall on the flowers - this will cause brown spots to appear on them.

Rhododendron grown at home needs to be fed mineral fertilizers. Feeding is carried out once every 2-3 weeks. During the budding period, the flower is fertilized with a superphosphate solution prepared according to this recipe: 1-1.5 grams of superphosphate per 1 liter of water.

The roots of a rhododendron in a pot spread under the surface of the soil, so you need to loosen the soil in the pot very carefully and carefully. It is best to plant the flower in a ceramic pot without glaze, so that air can flow to the roots through the micropores in the walls of the pot.

No amount of care will help to grow a flower healthy and blooming if the soil for planting it is not selected correctly. The flower loves an acidic soil mixture; it is best to purchase a special soil for azaleas with an acidity in the range of 4-4.5 pH. To make the mixture loose, light and moisture-permeable, you can add sand and peat to it.

Rhododendron transplantation is carried out in spring or early summer - after flowering. During transplantation, the roots are inspected, dried or rotting ones are removed, and spent flower stalks and dry shoots are cut off. Young rhododendrons are replanted every year, adults - every 2-3 years.

After one flowering, the plant begins to form new shoots with buds, at this time you need to have time to prune - removing weak shoots. New shoots are cut off, leaving 4-5 leaves on them. The plant is poisonous, so pruning is carried out with gloves.

During flowering, fading flowers are immediately removed so that the plant does not waste energy on producing seeds - thanks to this care, the flowering of the bush will be longer.

Reproduction

Reproduction home rhododendron cuttings in spring or early summer, so that the temperature is not lower than +25 degrees. To do this, cut semi-lignified cuttings from a plant that is at least 1 year old. The cuttings should be 5-7 cm long with three to four leaves. The cut must be made at an angle, 2 lower leaves shorten by half, after which the cuttings are immersed in a solution of heteroauxin or root.

After 5-6 hours, the cuttings are removed and planted in a container for rooting. The soil in the container consists of several layers - drainage at the bottom, then coarse sand, and coniferous soil on top.

The cuttings are immersed in the soil by one and a half to two centimeters. To create the necessary temperature and humidity for the cuttings, they are covered with a transparent bag or plastic bottle. Spray the cuttings 1-2 times a day.

Rooting of rhododendron cuttings occurs in 1-1.5 months, during which time they need the following care: daily spraying and air temperature within 20-24 degrees.

After rooting, the cuttings along with the soil are transplanted into small pots with drainage; the soil mixture is made from coniferous soil and peat. To form a bush, pinch the top of the cuttings. In the future, caring for new plants is no different from caring for adult plants.

Caring for rhododendron involves protection from diseases and pests. Most often, the flower is attacked by aphids, scale insects and spider mite. To treat and prevent these diseases, the plant is sprayed with insecticides, and in order to prevent the development of diseases typical of azaleas, the necessary conditions are created for it in terms of watering and temperature.

Indoor rhododendron (azalea) belongs to those plants that amaze with their appearance, fit perfectly into any interior, fill the rooms with a pleasant aroma and give them brightness. Flowers that bloom in winter create a unique atmosphere in the house. Of course, azalea is a very spectacular plant, but it is not easy to care for. To grow this flower, you have to work hard. The efforts made are justified when the rhododendron gives its owners beautiful flowers. When choosing a suitable place for a flowerpot, you must take into account that the leaves and stems contain toxic substances. The plant must be positioned so that animals and children cannot reach it.

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Types and varieties

Azalea belongs to the Heather family and can reach a height of 50 cm. There are about 2000 varieties of this plant, but usually only 2 types are cultivated at home:

• Indian. A plant of this species grows in mountain forests, where there is no lack of moisture and coolness. This is the main azalea species used to produce a large number of hybrids. The flowers are large (up to 5 cm in diameter), rich pink. Among the hybrids there are red, yellow, cream and white flowers, as well as variegated ones.
• Japanese. This is a less common shrub that grows in mild climates with sufficient moisture levels. Its flowers are not as large as those of the Indian rhododendron and are lower and resistant to low temperatures. The plant blooms in white, red-orange, red, pink or lilac color. Sometimes on one bush you can observe flowering in different shades.

In addition to the considered types of azaleas, there are ampelous and pyramidal types of rhododendron. Usually plants suitable for indoor growing, belong to evergreen varieties, less often they are representatives of deciduous varieties.

Azaleas bloom profusely for about two months; with the onset of the dormant period, they need shade and cool air.

Varieties by flowering time:

• Early flowering. This group includes plants that bloom between October and January. Its representatives are the varieties Adventglockchen, Erie, Orange Boven, Doberlug, Enzette Dagmar, Weisse Schame, Helmut Vogel, Dresden 1936.
• Medium late flowering. These azaleas bloom from January to March. The list of plants is represented by the varieties Leopold Astrid, Apollo, Avenir, Florida, Knut Erven, Max Shamet, Albert Elizabeth.
• Late flowering. The flowering period lasts from February to May. At this time, Sakuntala, Ernst Thirs, Concinna, Hexe, Niobe, Coelestinum, Professor Wolters bloom.

The most suitable varieties for growing at home are Concinna, Niobe, John Herens, Albert Elizabeth, Verveniana rosea, Esmeralda, Eggebrechti, Adventsglockchen, Fritz Saidor, Celestina.



Temperature and lighting

When growing at home, the room should be light and cool. Optimal temperature air is 10-15°C, this figure cannot exceed 18°C.

In autumn, when they appear flower buds, it is recommended to provide a lower air temperature than at other times - approximately 6°C. This can be done by temporarily moving the indoor rhododendron to the basement, balcony or other cool place. Before flowering, it is necessary to return to the previous temperature values. Often gardeners use a trick and use melt water for watering or add ice to the flowerpot, laying it around the edges of the pot.

The correct temperature is great importance. For example, if it is 12°C, the flowering period will last 60 days, but at a temperature of 20°C, the azalea will not bloom for long - only 14 days. The most abundant flowering is possible when fresh air enters tooth enamel. If repeated frequently, the enamel may not recover.. Rhododendron in a pot can be left on the terrace all summer, protecting it from direct sunlight, and the rest of the time the room in which the bush is located is often ventilated. But do not forget that this plant is sensitive to significant temperature fluctuations. The azalea should be in the shade, it must be protected from frequent changes in soil and air temperature, otherwise premature bud release may occur.



Watering and fertilizing

It is very important to provide the plant with proper care, because its condition and the duration of the flowering period depend on this. 10-20 minutes after watering the rhododendron soft water its excess must be drained. The soil should be well moistened, but not flooded. It must not be allowed to dry out. In cases where the soil is still dry, it is necessary to wet the plant in the shower, maintaining the water temperature between 28 and 30°C.

If during the growing season the soil must be moistened frequently and abundantly, then during the dormant period moderate watering is required. Also, spraying should be done at least 2 times a week.

To feed, 2 times a month you need to water the bush with water to which 1 tsp was added. citric acid. If this rule is regularly followed, the acid balance of the soil is maintained. Every day after watering, it is recommended to use small portions of complex fertilizer in liquid form. To determine the optimal amount of fertilizer for one day, the monthly norm must be divided by the number of waterings.

When the buds form and the azalea grows at an accelerated pace, they use classic fertilizers. It is enough to add them every 20 days. Apply organic fertilizers, then mineral, later again organic, etc.



When and how often to prune rhododendron?

You need to monitor when the buds fade and remove them, otherwise there will be much fewer flowers than there could be. After pruning, it is recommended to replant the bush, choosing a larger container for it.

When the flowering period is over, remove 5 cm of each branch on which there was a flower. Weakened shoots are removed completely. Thanks to such actions, the growth of young strong stems will occur. When three pairs of leaves grow on them, and this happens 3-4 weeks after pruning, you need to pinch the tops of the shoots. The listed manipulations are repeated annually.

Transplantation and propagation

Care involves replanting after purchase, then annually for three years, and later once every two years. They use soil purchased from a special store, since it has a special composition. It can be either heather soil or a mixture including peat and coniferous soil, sand.

When growing rhododendron at home, it should be replanted as needed. If the surface of the soil is covered with moss, or the roots of the plant are visible, the azalea must be replanted.

Summer for breeding indoor rhododendron semi-lignified cuttings with a length of at least 6 cm are used. The age of the cuttings used should be 4-5 months, they are cut at an angle. Reproduction is carried out at temperatures from 20 to 25°C.

Before planting, you need to dip the seedlings in a solution prepared on the basis of a drug, the components of which have a positive effect on root system plants. The processing time should be at least half an hour. It can be extended up to an hour. It is necessary to create a drainage layer in the pot by filling the container 3-5 cm with layers of sand and coniferous soil. Remove 4 leaves from the bottom of the cutting. You need to plant azalea cuttings by immersing them 1-2 cm in the ground. It is recommended to cover the seedlings with film or glass. During the period when they take root, ventilate the room as often as possible - at least 3 times every 7 days. Usually it lasts 1.5 months.

5-6 days before the day on which the seedlings are planned to be transplanted, they are removed from under the shelter. Cuttings with a developed root system are planted in pots using coniferous-peat soil. Then they provide shelter again for 11-14 days.

To make flowering more intense, it is necessary to periodically pinch the tips of the shoots. It is enough to do this 3 or 4 times a year. The apical bud is removed for the first time on the 31-46th day after the end of the flowering period, when young shoots have four pairs of leaves. When performing this action one last time, the variety is taken into account. If the azalea is early, the last pinching must be done before July 15th. For late plants, pinching should be done in early August.

When growing the plant, the leaves may turn yellow. This happens due to clay contained in the soil or water. The problem is eliminated by watering with acidified water.

If the leaves are wrinkling, there are a variety of reasons to consider. This may be a lack of moisture, an increase in the recommended temperature, exposure to sunlight, or dry air. The problem is being solved in the following way: put the pot in the shade, water and spray more often and more abundantly, ensure the presence of moist air.

What pests affect azalea?

Indoor rhododendron is susceptible negative influence Tarzanemus mite and hairy aphid. Mites cause serious damage to the plant; they attack flowers, buds, and young leaves. It is very difficult to see these insects without a magnifying glass. They can often be detected when light leaves appear, shoots curl, and flowering does not occur. To cure the plant, you need to apply an infusion of wood ash and spray it four times, maintaining an interval of 7-8 days. For cooking of this product water (10 l) and ash (500 g) are required. The components are combined and left to infuse for 24 hours, after which they are filtered and used for their intended purpose.

Hairy aphids damage young stems and sometimes affect leaves. For minor damage, the problem can be solved with soapy water. It is enough to wipe the plant with a cotton pad soaked in it and repeat this procedure after 7-10 days or spray the azalea with calendula tincture purchased at the pharmacy.



The septoria mushroom, which provokes the development of septoria, can also harm rhododendron. This disease can be identified by rusty or grayish-brown spots on the leaves. If not taken in a timely manner necessary measures, the affected leaves will fall off. Treatment requires Bordeaux mixture in the form of a 1% solution. The affected areas of the plant are treated for 10 days, once daily.

When purchasing an azalea for your home, you need to provide it with proper care. According to gardeners, when creating optimal conditions Perhaps the flowering is so wild that even the greenery is not visible.

Beautiful indoor flower rhododendron is known among gardeners as azalea. Caring for this capricious creature is a lot of trouble. Planting, propagation, pruning - all actions are performed according to strict rules. If the rhododendron doesn’t like something, it immediately reacts to it with illness or dies altogether. Despite the difficulties of growing, rhododendron continues to win the hearts of gardeners with its graceful flowering, which is comparable in beauty to rose blooms.

Description

Rhododendron is a genus from the heather family (Ericaceae). The rhododendron genus includes a wide variety of plants; according to various sources, there are about 600 species. Among them are both evergreen and deciduous. Rhododendrons are represented by trees or erect and creeping shrubs, which are grown both in open ground and in houses and greenhouses. Indoor azaleas are small bushes, also related to rhododendrons. This name is partly true: azaleas used to stand out as separate species. Now they are classified as species of rhododendron, but some gardeners, out of habit, call everything indoor views azaleas, and street ones - rhododendrons.

The plant's habitat is the temperate climate zone of the Northern Hemisphere (humid high-mountain forests). Trees from 10 cm to 10 m are found in China, Japan, and North America. Some species grow in Australia and New Guinea. In Russia they live in the Caucasus and the Far East. In their natural environment, rhododendrons grow both in thickets and individually; they prefer soil and air moisture and shading.

The feature for which rhododendron is loved by flower growers is its winter flowering. At good conditions it lasts two months - from February to March, sometimes in May. Rhododendron blooms annually, but it requires attention and skill to preserve the bush for the next season. Rhododendron flowers are collected in inflorescences in the form of a brush or brush. Color palette- from snow-white to deep red, there are shades of pink, lilac, violet and even yellow. The shape of the flowers can be bell-shaped, tubular, funnel-shaped, some flowers have a pleasant aroma.

The name of the plant comes from the Greek words "rhodon" and "dendron", which mean "rose" and "flower". Hence the name - “rose tree”. The first attempt to breed rhododendron in Europe was made in the 18th century, but the bushes brought from India were not given proper care and died. In the 19th century, the attempt was crowned with success: sea captain Welbank brought from India the ancestor of all famous varieties azaleas.

Kinds

Azalea is represented by more than 2 thousand varieties. Two types of rhododendron are cultivated at home:

• Indian rhododendron, or simsi (Rododendron simsii). This plant is the progenitor indoor varieties. Its natural habitat is moist montane forests. Indian azalea hybrids are distinguished by their diversity color scheme: from white and cream to bright pink and red flowers. Meet yellow flowers, as well as two-color.

• Japanese rhododendron (Rhododendron obtusum var. japonicum)- the owner of flowers that are not as large as those of the Indian azalea (less than 5 cm in diameter). It is less common than simsi and is more troublesome to grow. The plant is sensitive to temperature changes. Flowers - white, lilac, red-orange. Interesting feature species: flowers of different shades can be found on one tree.

IN room conditions Mostly evergreen species of rhododendrons are grown; deciduous ones are less common. The average height of a bush growing indoors is from 30 to 50 cm, but standard trees sometimes they stretch up to 1.3 m. Azalea flowers differ not only in color, but also in structure:

• simple,
• terry,
• flower within a flower with simple petals,
• a flower in a flower with double petals of more than 30.

Care

Before starting to grow azaleas, the gardener must soberly assess his strength. Are you ready to devote time to the flower, creating the necessary conditions for it? Rhododendron does not forgive mistakes: it can bloom in a week, drop its buds, or even dry out. Saving him is an even more difficult task.

Interesting fact
The older the azalea, the more spectacular and magnificent it blooms.

How to tame rhododendron at home? Start by placing it:

1. The plant does not like bright light. Place it in an area protected from direct sunlight. A northern or western window sill or loggia is suitable.
2. Miss Clean magazine advises avoiding places near heating devices and batteries. Dry air is harmful to the plant.
3. Starting in April, begin to accustom the rhododendron to the air by taking the flowerpot outside. Place the plant in the shade of trees or under a canopy. On fresh air The bush will stand comfortably until the end of August.
4. The room where the rhododendron lives needs to be regularly ventilated. But sharp temperature fluctuations should not be allowed, as this will lead to the death of the bud ovaries.

Over the course of a year, rhododendron goes through the stages of growth, flowering and dormancy. In each period it is required different care. And the azalea needs to be prepared for flowering. When buying rhododendron in stores, people often throw it away after flowering; they consider it a bouquet plant. But if you do everything correctly, you will be able to admire the winter flowering of the rose tree for more than one season.

Humidity, watering, fertilizers

Rhododendron flowering is adversely affected by dry air and high temperatures. Temperatures up to +19°C are acceptable, preferably between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Flowering will be long only in a cool place: at temperatures up to +12° C - 2 months, at temperatures up to +19 - 2 weeks. In autumn, during the formation of buds, it is better to lower the temperature to +6° C, and raise it just before flowering. To neutralize the action heating systems, you need to spray the rhododendron in the evenings with soft water at least 2 times a week.

Rhododendrons love high humidity. During the growth period it is required abundant watering, during the rest period it is reduced to moderate. The soil in the pot must be completely moistened and not allowed to dry out. Water the plant in the morning with soft filtered or settled water, directing the stream to the root. If some of the water has not been absorbed into the soil, it must be drained from the pan after 15 minutes. To prevent the rhododendron from getting too hot, it is watered with melt water, and pieces of ice are placed along the edges of the pot. A good move is to place a container of water or damp moss next to the pot.

If you accidentally allow the soil in a flowerpot with rhododendron to dry out, resuscitation will be required. The first method: put the pot in water for 4 hours. During this time, the plant and soil will be sufficiently saturated with moisture. After 3-4 days, normal watering is resumed. The second way is to give the plant a shower. Water temperature - up to +30° C.

Advice
Water the plant only with soft, settled water.

A special feature of rose tree care is daily feeding. Liquid is sold specifically for rhododendron. complex fertilizer. During each watering, a certain amount of fertilizer is added to the water. This amount is calculated by dividing the monthly norm by the number of waterings. When the buds are forming, it would be a good idea to add classic fertilizers, applying them once every 20 days.

Formation of a bush, transplantation, propagation

To save abundant flowering You need to cut off the flowers immediately after they wilt. After the end of the flowering period, all weak elongated shoots are removed. Healthy branches are pruned to 5 cm. This pruning will help the rhododendron form new strong shoots. After this procedure, you need to transplant the plant into new pot bigger size. After 2-3 weeks, when 3 pairs of leaves appear on the young shoots, they need to pinch off the tops. The procedure is repeated until the buds appear (approximately mid-summer), then the side shoots are pinched.

Young plants need replanting annually, adults (after 3 years) - once every two years. Signs that it is time to replant the rhododendron: the roots entwine a lump of soil, moss appears on the surface. For planting, it is better to purchase special soil for azaleas, since it is difficult to make it yourself: you will need a mixture of coniferous soil, peat and sand. It is better to take a ceramic pot for the plant; microscopic pores in its walls will provide air access to the roots. Don't forget about the drainage layer at the bottom of the flowerpot.

Rhododendrons are propagated stem cuttings. The time for their separation is summer, temperature is from +20 to +25 degrees. Cuttings are selected 6 cm long, semi-lignified, 4-5 months old, and cut at an angle. Before planting, the cuttings must be cut lower leaves, the cut is treated with a growth stimulator. The seedlings are placed 1-2 cm deep in the soil, covered with film and left until rooting for 1.5 months, ventilating periodically. When it takes root, the plant is transplanted into azalea soil.

Growing difficulties

Flower growers face the following problems:

1. Yellow leaves. Most likely, there is not enough water in the soil. In addition, rhododendron loves lemon: add a couple of drops of juice when watering.
2. Short flowering. Possible reasons: lack of moisture in the soil, low humidity air, direct sunlight. What to do: increase watering, spray the bush, place it away from the heating system.
3. The leaves are wrinkled. This occurs due to lack of moisture, high temperatures and poor shading. Solution: increase watering, increase air humidity and shade the plant.
4. Septoria is a fungal disease. A sign is rusty or brown-gray spots on the leaves; in advanced situations, the foliage is dying off. The plant will be saved by spraying with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture.

The rhododendron growing in the apartment scares away small insects like ants. But some pests still attack the rose tree:

1. Hairy aphid. First it settles on young shoots, then moves to the leaves. The plant is easy to treat: wipe it with a sponge dipped in soapy water. After a week, you can spray the bush with soapy water or pharmaceutical tincture
2. calendula. The Tarzanemus mite is a more serious problem. It is difficult to notice with the naked eye. Signs that the mite has settled on the buds, flowers and leaves: leaf blades become lighter, shoots curl. The dominance of mites leads to a lack of flowering. Folk method

pest control: prepare an infusion of wood ash (500 g of ash - 10 liters of water). Let the mixture sit for a day, strain and spray or wipe the bush. Repeat the procedure once a week, three treatments are enough. When caring for rhododendrons, you need to take into account that their stems contain toxic substances. Wear protective gloves and limit access to the azalea flowerpot to children and pets. If you eat the leaf, you will experience lacrimation, poisoning, and vomiting. Some flowers have a strong odor, which often causes allergic reactions: skin rashes,.

Rhododendron in open ground

Indoor azaleas and garden rhododendrons similar in agricultural technology:

1. For planting in open ground, select shady place, preferably near a pond or stream. If there are no bodies of water on the site, then air humidity must be maintained by placing a basin of water next to the tree. When lying close groundwater the plant is planted on a raised piece of land.
2. Garden rhododendron needs morning watering and evening spraying, just like indoor rhododendron. In dry weather, it is advisable to add up to 10 liters of water to each bush.
3. In rainy autumn weather, watering is not necessary.
4. The soil should not be loosened so as not to damage the roots. Weeding is done only by hand.
5. IN middle lane For the winter, rhododendron is covered with burlap. It is removed in the spring after the snow has melted. In warm areas, the rose tree overwinters without shelter.

A few facts that rhododendron has really won the hearts of plant lovers:

1. It is called not only azalea, but also alpine or English rose.
2. There are varieties with flowers up to 20 cm in diameter.
3. Rhododendron - medicinal plant, used in folk and traditional medicine. The main 4 types with healing properties: golden, Caucasian, Sagan-daylya and Daurian rhododendrons. IN folk medicine The Tibetan plant is anti-inflammatory and antifungal, as well as a tonic. Leaves, flowers and stems are used.
4. IN different countries There is a unique culture for growing rhododendron. Thus, in India, meter-long lush flowers are cultivated. And in Japan, a whole direction in the art of bonsai appeared - the formation of amazing trees from rhododendron bushes.
5. Rhododendron in wildlife is an early spring honey plant.
6. Some flower growers are sure that the plant in the house has its own symbolism. Rhododendron has a powerful positive energy, supports harmonious relationships in the family, restores mutual understanding after minor quarrels. It is recommended to cultivate it for people with increased fatigue and sleep problems.

Growing rhododendron both at home and in the garden is a challenging but exciting task. It’s worth working hard for gorgeous lush buds. With proper care, azalea becomes a decoration for any room. A blooming rhododendron in the house is a sign of the florist’s high skill.