The azalea is from Japan and China where the native habitat for it is the cool and damp soil. Therefore it is easy to guess what conditions she prefers at cultivation of the house.
Blossoming falls on winter months. The azalea blossoms generally white, red and pink.
The azalea is exacting plant, but if you from the very beginning provide it with ideal conditions, it will please you with abundant blossoming. Important factors responsible for it:
1. Regularity of watering. Though it is one of plants which likes the damp soil, after all it is not necessary to fill in it with large amount of water as there is probability of rotting of roots. It is better to water it with boiled water of room temperature. Ideal pH for azaleas is in limits 3.5-4.5. In case the plant withers, you can transfer it to deep vessel with water and "fill in" for several minutes that roots and the soil were humidified.
2. Application of fertilizers. Since August before forming of flower kidneys the plant is fertilized each 2-3 weeks
3. Ideal temperature. The azalea best of all grows and develops at temperature about 15-17 degree centigrades. It should not be near radiators and air purifiers which create considerable air flows or drafts. It is undesirable to hold plant near open window and balcony.
4. Sunlight. This plant is very exacting to light. Flowers will correctly not grow in the shady place.
Azaleas regularly water with small amount of soft water (it is previously boiled and maintain). The root ball never has to dry completely. In the fall we reduce water diet.
In the summer bushes can be planted in garden in semi-shady and shady places. As the azalea is not frost-resistant, it should be brought to the room before the onset of cold weather. Before blossoming of azalea the air temperature fluctuates from 5 to 12 °C. Then it can be moved in warmer room with temperature up to 18 degrees. The plant is very sensitive to dry air, overheating and drafts. Being in such conditions, it quickly dumps leaves and flowers.
It is regularly important to process plant from web tick, the hothouse whitefly and plant louse. The ideal decision is use of the medicines intended for azaleas.
The plant generally shanks breeds. The procedure is carried out during the spring and summer period.
Here several recommendations for reproduction of azalea:
– it is desirable to do cut of shank by sharp knife;
– take shank directly under kidney;
– for fast "sewing" of plant use damp peat;
– near shank carefully stamp the soil;
– spraying, airing and watering 3 times a day;
– stimulators for rooting and substrate heating;
– you contain the grown-up plant at temperature below 18 degrees.