Azaleas are very hardy plants. However, if care errors occur, they become more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Azaleas are not only popular indoor plants, many hobby gardeners also enjoy their beautiful flowers outdoors. The azalea (also the indoor azalea) belongs to the rhododendrons and is considered to be very robust.
However, this only applies to plants that have good conditions to fall back on. Especially indoor azaleas or azaleas planted in flower pots suffer from care errors that inevitably lead to diseases and the death of the plant.
Common diseases and pests in azaleas
In the following overview you will find the most common diseases and pests that can affect an azalea. You will also learn how to recognize and combat them. If you give in in time, you can definitely save your plant.
Spider mites
Signs of infestation:
You can recognize spider mites by the fine spider webs that spread between the leaves and individual twigs. The spider mites come to the fore particularly often when the azalea is placed in a very dry and warm location. Due to the low humidity and the high temperature, the mites find the best conditions.
Remedy:
Place the azalea in a cool place and make sure there is sufficient humidity. The mites are on the underside of the leaves and can also be gently sprayed with a jet of water so that they fall off.
Chlorosis
Signs of infestation:
Chlorose, or iron deficiency for short, is expressed in azaleas by brown edges on the leaves until the leaves die off completely. The disease is evidence of a high lime content in the soil and in the irrigation water.
Remedy:
If you think the soil is too calcareous, you can improve it with a mixture of sand and compost. From now on, only water the azalea with rainwater. If you cannot do this, you should decalcify the water.
Aphids
Signs of infestation:
Discover small ones on the leaves or stems of the azaleaAnimals are mostly aphids. The leaves curl and no longer fully develop.
Remedy:
The azalea does not necessarily have to be treated against aphids. If the lice bother you, you can use a simple household remedy and spray the affected shoots with a mixture of water and soap. Cover the soil with a paper towel to keep the lye from getting into the soil.
Whiteflies
Signs of infestation:
Whiteflies also attack the azalea if it is too dry and warm. Thunderflies, on the other hand, often lay larvae in the ground. If they hatch, they migrate to young shoots and buds. Once the plant has been severely attacked, it usually dies.
Remedy:
Neem oil (e.g. available here) is excellent for driving away thunderflies and the larvae. Simply spray the soil and azalea with an oil and water mixture.
Bug Infestation Outdoors
Signs of infestation:
Beetles, on the other hand, are more likely to infest garden azaleas and potted plants. The vine weevil is particularly common here. It eats its way along the leaves and lays eggs in the ground. When the larvae hatch, they can attack the roots and kill the plant.
Remedy:
Check the plant regularly for bugs and remove them. You can fight the larvae with special insecticides. Nematodes, i.e. roundworms, which have long been used for biological pest control, also prove to be efficient against beetle infestation.
Proper care prevents infestation
The best way to combat pests is prevention. Therefore, from the moment you buy your azaleas, make sure that you take good care of the plants. Here are a few key points:
- shady, cool location (reading tip: azalea location: the plants feel most comfortable there)
- Avoid waterlogging
- no direct sun
- do not water with hard water