Azaleas are considered easy to care for. However, it is not possible without care: you cannot do without regular watering and fertilizing.
Azaleas, regardless of which rhododendron genus they belong to, do not require sophisticated care. You have to make sure that the root ball is not in the water and that the azalea does not get a calcareous location (here are other important location criteria). The plants do not tolerate waterlogging at all. Even with garden azaleas, the location must be chosen so that the roots are not permanently in the water. A partially shaded or sunny spot is ideal for garden azaleas. For the frost-sensitive indoor azalea, on the other hand, choose a shady or semi-shady place that is not directly next to the heater.How to water azaleas correctly
» It is best to water azaleas with rainwater
Since the plant does not tolerate lime, there are of course a few things to consider when watering. If your tap water tends to be calcareous, it is advisable to use rainwater for the houseplant as well. Alternatively, filtered tap water is suitable.
» Tip: Adding an acidic substrate is a good way to balance out the lime content in the soil. Rhododendron earth is already very well suited to the needs of the plant, alternatively you can use humus or peat.
» Avoid waterlogging
To prevent waterlogging, drainage is a good idea. Place gravel or larger stones on the bottom of the flower pot or flower tub and only then add soil to the pot. The irrigation water now collects at the bottom of the pot without the roots coming into permanent contact with the moisture. For garden azaleas, you can enhance boggy or wet soil by filling the planting hole with a layer of coarse gravel about four inches deep.
How to properly fertilize azaleas
» Fertilize indoor azaleas
In order to provide the azalea with the best care, you can fertilize your plants from time to time. With the rhododendron species, the plus in nutrients is distributed outside the flowering period. Indoor azaleas bloom during the winter months. Therefore, add azalea fertilizer to the irrigation water between spring and autumn.
» Fertilize garden azaleas
Garden azaleas need a different kind of care. Instead of fertilizer, it is a good idea to add a layer of humus to the soil around the garden azaleas during spring. The plant now draws the nutrients directly from the soil and they improve the soil quality.
Important note:
Pay attention to the sensitivity of the azalea to lime and only use lime-free fertilizer.
Larger azaleas should be treated with rhododendron fertilizer by June at the latest. Dwarf species, on the other hand, should not be fertilized at all.