Azalea, alpine rose – Azalea, or Rhododendron – Rhododendron. The family is heather. Homeland – East Asia, Carpathians, Caucasus.
There are over 1000 species. In indoor and ornamental gardening, the most common are Rhododendron obtusum – Rhododendron dull, or Japanese azalea, or Rhododendron simsii – Rhododendron Sims, or Azalea Sims, or Indian azalea, as well as their numerous hybrids.
Indian bicolor azalea (Azalea indica bicolor)
Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Leonid Dzhepko
Azalea is a small shrub that blooms in a room in the midst of winter. Azaleas have beautiful, large, often double flowers of the most varied colors: from white to bright red. Leaves are small (5 – 7 cm long), leathery, green.
Placement… Prefers bright rooms with bright diffused light. In summer and autumn, before frost, it is advisable to leave the azalea in the fresh air. In winter, the azalea is placed in a bright, cool room with a constant temperature of 12 – 15 ยฐ C. The plant with emerging flower buds is brought into a warmer room, with a temperature of 18 ยฐ C. After the end of flowering for new bud formation next year, the plant is re-installed in a room with temperature 8 – 12 ยฐ ะก.
Care… During the flowering period, in summer and early autumn, abundant watering is necessary, in winter – moderate. Top dressing is carried out weekly with fertilizers that do not contain lime. Azalea is moisture-loving, so it should be sprayed frequently or placed on a gravel pan filled with water. The plant should be repotted in the spring every 2 to 3 years.
Azalea Mevrouw Gerard
Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Leonid Dzhepko
Pests and diseases… The main pest is the azalea aphid, on the secretions of which a sooty mushroom settles. If the soil ball is too dry, a red mite may appear.
Reproduction possibly apical cuttings, they are rooted in perlite or coarse sand, when the substrate is heated. It is difficult to take root.
Note:
- Faded flowers and brown leaves are removed. This protects the plant from infections. In place of the old flower, a new shoot forms over time, which will bloom next year.
