How to grow and care for Azalea Plant (Rhododendron simsii) Indoors
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Photo Credit: Ital Florist
Botanical name: Rhododendron simsii
Family: Ericaceae
Azalea Plant Description
Azalea Plant is a popular flowering plant that will add a splash of color when in bloom but does not last very long under room conditions.
Azalea is only displayed when in bloom after which it is taken away until the next bloom or discarded altogether. It will thrive as a garden shrub if planted out when flowering is over.
The brightly colored blooms will brighten up any dull room. To keep it in bloom for many weeks up to 3-4 weeks, keep it wet (not just moist), distinctly cool and brightly lit.
Remove the faded Azalea flowers promptly to encourage new blooms. Keep the plant pot-bound to encourage flowering.
The blooms in Azalea are terminal meaning the entire plant blooms at one time which makes a colorful display. The blooms are a profusion of shades of pink, red, white, peach, lavender or bi-colors.
Azalea Plant Origin
Azaleas are native to several continents including Asia, Europe and North America. There are over 10,000 different cultivars of Azalea.
Azalea Plant for Sale
Buy beautiful and healthy Azalea Plants (Rhododendron simsii) from Etsy.
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Azalea Plant (Rhododendron simsii) Care Indoors
Azalea Plant Light requirements
Azalea grows best in bright light conditions but away from direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
How to Water Azalea Plant
Water Azalea liberally to keep the soil moist at all times and never allow the soil to dry out. Occasionally water by the immersion method as it ensures the soil is thoroughly wetted.
Reduce watering for your Azalaea during the cold period as growth is minimal at this time.
Water your Azalea with chlorine-free water as Azaleas are sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals dissolved in water. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Ensure the pot for your Azalea has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease.
Temperature for Azalea Plant
Azalea prefers cool to average warmth with a minimum of 100C. Very high temperatures will result in a flower bud drop.
Protect your Azalea from cold and hot draughts to avoid sudden changes in temperatures. Read more on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Humidity for Azalea Plant
Azalea prefers moderate humidity. Do not mist the leaves as it can lead to fungal infestation.
Set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity for your Azalea. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Fertilizer (Feeding) for Azalea Plant
Feed Azalea with a phosphorous-rich fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Do not feed an Azalea that is in flower as it can shorten the flowering period. Read more on how to feed houseplants.
How to Repot Azalea Plant
Repot Azalea during the growing season only when the plant is extremely pot-bound as it blooms more when pot-bound.
Do not repot a plant that is in flower as the repotting shock can shorten the flowering period.
Use a pot 1 size larger and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of your Azalea plant.
The best soil for your Azalea should be slightly acidic, rich in organic matter and free-draining.
How to Prune Azalea Plant
Prune Azalea yearly after flowering by cutting back the stems to the desired height.
This will encourage growth of new stem tips from which the flowers grow which means the plant will bloom even more. Read more on how to prune houseplants.
Azalea Plant (Rhododendron simsii) Propagation
Azalea propagation can be done from stem cuttings but they take long to root and do not stay true to type. It is preferable to buy a plant from the breeders.
Buy beautiful and healthy Azalea Plants (Rhododendron simsii) from Etsy.
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Azalea Plant (Rhododendron simsii) Problems Indoors
Azalea Plant very short flowering period
Short flowering period in Azalea is caused by hot dry air which causes the air humidity to be too low.
Keep the plant away from hot air and set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Avoid exposing your Azalea to the hot sun and maintain the soil consistently moist. Never allow the soil to dry out even slightly.
Azalea Plant yellow leaves with green veins
Yellow leaves with green veins in Azalea is a sign of a nutrient deficiency due to high alkalinity in the soil. Azaleas prefer an acidic soil.
Azalea Plant leaf drop
Leaf drop in Azalea is due to incorrect watering; either underwatering or overwatering.
Maintain the soil moist at all times and avoid soggy soil by ensuring that the pot for your Azalea has a drainage hole. Never allow the soil to dry out even slightly. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Azalea Plant shrivelled leaves
Shrivelled leaves in Azalea are caused by underwatering or allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Maintain the soil moist at all times and never allow the soil to dry out. Thoroughly soak the soil several times a week.
Azalea Plant yellow leaves
Yellow leaves in Azalea are due to watering the plant with hard water; chlorinated water is not suitable for Azalea.
Azaleas are acid loving plants and therefore should not be watered with hard water or chorinated water. Use distilled or rain water only to water your Azalea.
Azalea Plant flower bud drop
Flower bud drop in Azalea Plant is caused by too dry air (low humidity). Dry air will cause the flower buds to shrivel, turn brown and drop.
Protect your Azalea from draughts and set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Azalea Plant pests
The common pests in Azalea Plant are Spider Mites, Scale Insects and Nematodes.
Isolate the affected Azalea plant to prevent spread to the other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Azalea Plant diseases
The common diseases in Azalea Plant are Powdery Mildew where the new leaves curl, become pale, then brown and die. Discard the plant as it will not recover.
Another common disease in Azalea Plant is Root-rot brought about by soggy soil. Ensure the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Is Azalea Plant (Rhododendron simsii) toxic?
Azalea Plant (Rhododendron simsii) is toxic to humans and pets.
If ingested it can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Keep Azaleas from the reach of children and pets.
