Indoor rhododendron shrub - reproduction and care
Content:
The rhododendron shrub belongs to the Heather family. There are over 1000 species around the world. It grows well in summer cottages and backyard plots, however, in order for the shrub to take root safely, it is necessary to make some efforts. Azalea, as the home rhododendron is called, is very whimsical and can hardly endure stressful situations. Often, having brought home an elegant lush flower, a novice florist discovers that a few days later he dies before our eyes. To prevent this from happening, you need to know about the growing conditions, how to care for it and study the problems that a beginner may face.
Description of rhododendron
Indoor rhododendron is a lush shrub with strong tree trunks, leathery dark green leaves and abundant flowers.
Where is the best place to put a rhododendron in an apartment
Shades of opened buds range from white to dark red. The most common home-grown rhododendron hybrid varieties are:
- Adventsgloken;
- Albert Elizabeth;
- Kontsinna.
These varieties are most adapted to indoor growth, although they will have to make efforts to preserve the plant. Even novice gardeners can reproduce them.
How to properly care for a rhododendron at home
Indoor rhododendron flower needs special conditions.
Temperature
Azalea does not like it when the air temperature in the room exceeds 22 ° C. Therefore, in the spring and summer period, it is best to place it in cool, well-ventilated rooms.
In autumn and winter, when the plant starts budding, it is best that the ambient temperature is not higher than 15 ° C. Therefore, it is contraindicated for a rhododendron to be near batteries and heating elements.
Rhododendron formed by a tree
Lighting
Home rhododendron loves light, but does not tolerate direct sunlight on leaves or flowers. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the bush with diffused sunlight. If in the summer the plant is taken out into the street, then it can be placed under large trees. But in this case it is necessary to exclude the possibility of drafts.
Watering and spraying
Water the rhododendron often. In summer, watering occurs once every 1-2 days, depending on the state of the topsoil. If it is dry, then the plant needs moisture. Well-settled water is used for irrigation, since azalea does not tolerate chlorine additives. It is best if 2-3 drops of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar are added to the water before the procedure. This will keep the soil in a slightly acidic state.
Indoor humidity, and in summer outside, must be kept at 50%. To do this, you should make daily spraying of the plant and the air around with a spray bottle. If the weather is hot, then the frequency can be increased. Indoors, a humidifier can help solve this problem.
Priming
In order for the rhododendron shrub, the planting and care of which requires special attention, to grow and please with its flowering, it is necessary to prepare a special soil. This can be a specially combined azalea primer and purchased in stores. You can also prepare it yourself by mixing two parts of peat, two parts of nutrient soil, 1 part of river sand. You also need to check the soil for acidity and add some peat if necessary. The same soil is required for a plant to propagate by cuttings.
Top dressing
In the warm season, rhododendron is fed with a specially combined fertilizer for azaleas. Top dressing occurs once every 20 days. You can also alternate with organic and mineral substances. But self-prepared fertilizers must be supplied in limited quantities so as not to harm the capricious rhododendron.
Features of care during the rest period
During the wintering period of rhododendron, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of 12-15 ° C. Also, the humidity of the air should be at the level required by the flower. For this, daily spraying should be carried out. You can also install a dedicated automatic humidifier.
When and how rhododendron blooms
"Rhododendron", translated from Greek, means "tree with roses." In appearance, the blossoming shrub really resembles a tree covered with pink flowers. The buds begin to ripen in the winter dormant period and by the beginning of spring the plant is completely ready to decorate the windowsill with flowers.
Rhododendron has beautiful star-shaped flowers. The length of petals in azaleas is 0.5-2 cm. Inflorescences are located between the leaves and are formed in 5-9 pcs. Flowers are single and double, and because of this they are classified into:
- single ordinary;
- single terry;
- double ordinary;
- double terry.
Pruning
The rhododendron shrub, both in nature and at home, contains poisonous substances in the stems and leaves. Cutting must be done with gloves.
Azalea needs to be pruned twice a year. The step-by-step pruning method consists of two parts: pruning old shoots that have bloomed for several seasons, and pruning new branches that spoil the appearance and shape of the flower.
Pruning azalea
The first pruning is carried out in early summer, when the rhododendron has completely faded. When pruning, you should use disinfected tools, and treat the cut sites with garden pitch to avoid infection.
The next pruning occurs when the plant is transferred to the wintering site. At this point, old, damaged shoots are removed, as well as fresh ones that are not included in the overall composition.
How to propagate a rhododendron
Before propagating a rhododendron at home, it is necessary to prune a plant that is at least a year old. Florists choose the propagation of rhododendrons by cuttings at home, because it is almost impossible for a layman to do this by seeds.
Correct grafting of rhododendron
Young, semi-lignified shoots left over from pruning azaleas should be cut at an angle of 45 ° and placed in a solution that helps in rooting for 6-8 hours, for example, a root. After that, the twig is placed in a nutritious soil 2-3 cm deep and covered with an impromptu greenhouse.After 30-45 days, the planting material will take root. You can find out about this by the formation of new leaves on the handle.
Transfer
Transplantation of young plants should take place annually, adults - once every 2-3 years. The root system of a rhododendron is shallow in the ground, so you need to be careful and protect the roots. The best way would be to reload the plant along with an earthen clod.
Possible problems
Azalea problems
Azalea is an extremely moody shrub. If any violations have occurred in the care of the plant, then this can be determined by its appearance. If the rhododendron sheds leaves or buds, then first of all it is necessary to check the quality of the conditions of detention.
Also, rhododendron can be attacked by aphids or spider mites. You can get rid of them with the help of special insecticides. With improperly selected and poorly cultivated soil, fungal diseases can develop. Fungicides will help to cope with them.
If you follow all the rules for caring for the plant, fertilize, water and cut the rhododendron in time, then soon the windowsill will be decorated with a luxurious rose tree. It will perfectly fit into the interior and decorate any room.
