Azalea: caring for the plant

One of the most capricious and at the same time the most valuable and desired plants, cultivated in indoor floriculture, is azalea. Born in the mountains, where it is always fresh, cool, a lot of moisture and there is never dust and stuffiness, this beautiful woman adapts to the conditions of captivity, despite careful breeding work. But if you still find an approach to it, it will become a genuine adornment of any collection. A compact bush with a juicy-green, slightly pubescent foliage and itself is good, but a real miracle is a blooming azalea.

Care of the plant should be directed to ensure that the conditions in which it is contained, as close as possible to the natural. At first glance it seems that it is very difficult. But the task is quite feasible, the main thing is to pay attention to the three main factors: illumination, moistening and soil, and the result will be a healthy and beautiful azalea.

Care of the plant begins by choosing a place. Azalea is light-loving, therefore it is preferable for it to be southern windows, well-lit balconies and terraces. In the natural environment, it grows on the slopes of mountains, on plateaus and other open areas, which are characterized by high insolation. Although from the direct sun the plant needs to be protected in order to avoid the appearance of burns.

The next most important factor is moisturizing. Let us dwell on the question of how to water azalea so that it fully develops. Both the drying out of the soil coma and its overmoistening are equally pernicious for the plant. Therefore, watering should be regular and abundant. It is carried out as the surface of the substrate dries. At the same time, soft, settled water is used (necessarily!), Because the plant is very sensitive to water hardness, and it is often with failure to grow. You can apply the immersion method, but in any case, excess water should drain to avoid decaying the roots.

In order for azalea to feel comfortable, it must be sprayed. In hot days in summer and during the operation of heating devices in winter, this procedure is carried out twice a day, and the rest of the time, once a day. This is a very important condition, without which it is unlikely to succeed. There are decorative cultures for which the importance of air is the decisive factor, and one of them is azalea.

Care of the plant will not give the desired result, if one does not take into account one more important moment. The point is that azalea, like all representatives of the Vereskov family, is a pronounced acidophilus. This means that it grows only on acid soils, and impurities such as lime and chlorine can kill even a healthy adult specimen (which often happens with donated or purchased plants). Therefore, the soil factor should be given special attention. Substrate must necessarily have acid reaction (pH 4,0-4,5). This is one of those rare cases when it is advisable to use litmus paper (should be painted in red), because the acidity index can really play a decisive role. You can take a ready mix for azaleas or make up a substrate of coniferous soil mixed with peat and coarse-grained river sand (2: 1: 0.5). It is important that the soil has a good structure, it is air-and water-permeable. The drainage layer should be powerful. Due to the fact that the plant has a superficial root system, it is desirable to choose a vase flat and low.

If the soil is properly selected, good lighting is provided and irrigation is regulated, it can be assumed that the basic prerequisites have been created for the house to be decorated with a beautiful flowering azalea. Care of the plant, in addition, involves the introduction of fertilizers during the growing season and the regular conduct of such procedures that stimulate branching and promote abundant flowering, such as pruning and nipping.

If possible, it is desirable to maintain the optimum temperature regime. In the summer it is +15 ... + 18 ° C, during the maturing of flower buds (the second half of autumn) - + 8 ... + 10 ° С. High temperatures, stuffiness and lack of fresh air adversely affect the condition of the plant. At the same time, like many other indoor flowers, azalea does not tolerate drafts.

Undoubtedly, the plant is not easy, and sometimes only one mistake in agrotechnics can nullify all the efforts expended. Not if, however, to please a whimsical beauty, its luxurious flowering will be the best reward for caring. So grow azalea, and it will make your life more beautiful.