Azalea is a festive plant
Azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron (Rhododendron),come from North America, China, Japan and Asia Minor. Azaleas have found application both as garden crops, and as potted houseplants. There are many natural species of azaleas, as well as hybrids, man-made artificially. The azalea flowers are bright, shimmering in shades of white, yellow, red, orange and pink.
Azaleas are divided into three main groups:
- rhododendrons ground;
- deciduous soil;
- Indian azaleas.
Ground rhododendrons grow well on the openair, deciduous soil azaleas for the winter are warmed, if they grow in open places. And the Indian azaleas are suitable only for hothouse or indoor breeding.
Azaleas are also subdivided by flowering time: early, late and intermediate flowering.
The most famous type of azalea is azalea indian (Rhododendron indicum). This species is most popular in Germany, Belgium, Holland. Azalea Indian is characterized by abundant flowering with different in structure, size and coloration by flowers. These azaleas can be grown on the terrace or in the garden in lime, well drained soil. To the soil can also be added humus from leaves or peat, if it is too dense or, conversely, too light. Azalea does not like frost and drought. This plant grows up to 4 m in height.
Azaleas should be located in the room so that they do not get direct solarrays, but there was a lot of light. If you want to grow azaleas outdoors, then plant them under a not too dense crown of trees, the most suitable are conifers.
For azaleas, the low temperature is fatal, so in the open air they should be kept only from April to October, during the cold season, bringing them into a room or in a place sheltered from the cold. If you place azaleas in a room, then do not place them near sources of heat.
Watering azalea should be moderate, making sure that the earthwas wet. Excess moisture is dangerous for plants. If your plant withers, then immerse the pot for a couple of hours into the water, and then let the water drain. This will ensure the best saturation with the moisture of the thick and thin roots of the azalea. Leaves should be sprayed regularly, but not during the flowering period.
Transplant azalea should be done once in 2-3 years, at the end of winter. The land must be peat and have an acidic reaction medium. Check the acidity of the environment can be a litmus test.
For reproduction use herbaceous cuttings in spring orInoculation in the "English cleft" in the summer. "English cleavage" is best entrusted to specialists. Before rooting cuttings or grafted plants should be kept in a moist environment.
Azalea Indian and its varieties can be are affected by fungus or pests. Fungal diseases can cause the appearance ofrust or gray rot, if the azalea was exposed to extreme heat or cold, wind. To prevent fungal diseases, water stagnation should be avoided, and the soil should be disinfected. Dangerous for azalea aphids and whiteflies, other insects that feed on leaves.
If the soil for potassium azaleas is not acidic enough, they can get sick with chlorosis, i.e. their leaves turn yellow.
When buying azaleas plants with buds, on whichthe future coloring is already visible. Check the azalea for the presence of dry leaves, for this it is enough to shake the plant a little. Before you bring into the house acquired azalea it is recommended to place it on the balcony for several days.
