Indoor plant azalea indica is rather capricious, although surprisingly charming. Many beginner growers hesitate to grow it due to difficulties in care. In fact, knowing about the characteristics of the plant, the requirements that it imposes on soil, watering, and temperature conditions, it is possible to achieve that the azalea will delight with its flowering throughout the winter period.
Origin
Rhododendron is the second name of the plant. The birthplace of this amazing flower is India, Japan, China. The first mention of azaleas dates back to the 4th century BC. After conquering Colchis, the Greek warriors tasted honey at one of the apiaries, as a result of which they lost consciousness for a certain time. As it turned out, the bees collected nectar from the wild rhododendron, the descendant of which is modern azalea.
In Europe, this honey plant was first recognized at the beginning of the 19th century. The plant quickly gained popularity, many clubs were formed, engaged in the cultivation of azaleas. The flower was delivered to Russia as a presentation to the royal family and at first it was kept only in the court greenhouses. Gradually, azaleas were cultivated outside the palace.
Description
The height of the plant does not exceed 50 cm. The flowers are medium in size - up to 3.5 cm in diameter. The petals are white, red, pink in color, sometimes found in specks. Can be both with terry, and with smooth edges. Small dark green leaves are almost invisible due to inflorescences. The superficial root system is quite delicate, when transplanted, the most careful attitude is required. Almost all winter, the plant pleases with surprisingly beautiful flowers adorning the windowsill.
The azalea of the shtambovaya indicator looks no less luxurious, by which no one can pass indifferently.
Seat selection
Overseas guest prefers a large amount of sunlight. However, it should not be very bright, better dispersed. Having put the flower pot on the south window, it is recommended to fence it off with a thin translucent curtain.
But the azalea indica does not tolerate heat well. Therefore, it should be kept away from heating appliances. If this is not possible, it is necessary to install a protective screen in the form of a sheet of foil, which protects against warm air coming from the radiator.
In winter, when the window sill becomes too cold, a foam sheet is placed under the pot.
Temperature mode
For growing azaleas, this parameter is especially important. The plant prefers cool. The most comfortable temperature for it is from 10 to 15 ° C. It is more difficult to observe such a regime in the summer. Many florists Azalea Indica at this time exposed to fresh air in a shaded place. Others add a pot to the ground. At the same time, a kapron stocking is designed to protect it from insect pests through drainage holes.
An important period is the laying of buds. In order for them to form complete and in large quantities, the plant needs an even lower temperature. In autumn, before the onset of frost, you can leave the flower in an unheated room or on a loggia. In order to lower the temperature, the pots are covered with pieces of ice. Periodically spray the plant with cold water. Sometimes a pot with it is even placed in the refrigerator, which helps to quickly restore a weakened plant. Before the beginning of flowering, the temperature is raised to 12-15 ° C.
Watering and humidity
For successful cultivation of a plant such as azalea indica, home care involves maintaining adequate soil moisture. This is one of the reasons why the flower is considered moody and demanding. Both excessive watering and overdrying of the substrate are equally unacceptable. Azalea responds to errors in care by dropping foliage and flowers. Roots flooded in excess begin to die, and the plant dies. The earthen lump should be moistened in moderation. Overflow should not be allowed when water begins to drain through drainage, as well as drying out of the top soil layer.
Water for irrigation should be used soft. To do this, you can add a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to it - about 10 drops per liter. The best option is melt snow or rain water, in which there is no chlorine and other heavy impurities. Watering is carried out twice a day on hot days and less often on cool days. It is recommended to alternate the upper with the lower when using a pallet.
Another important condition, how to care for azalea indica - ensuring humidity. It should be maintained at a sufficiently high level. For this purpose, it is necessary to regularly carry out spraying - several times a week. Water needs melt or distilled. During the procedure, it is recommended to cover the flowers with the palm of your hand to prevent drops from falling on them. Otherwise, delicate petals can lose their beauty. The spray gun should be selected so that the drops are as small as possible. Otherwise, the leaves may become stained.
In addition to spraying, there are many ways to moisten the air for a plant. Pebbles, expanded clay are poured into a wide and deep pallet, pieces of moss are laid. A pot is placed on the top layer and water is poured. It must be ensured that she is always on the pallet. In this case, the bottom of the pot should not touch the water, settling on wet moss and expanded clay.
How to transplant azalea
Quite a delicate matter is the transplantation of a capricious beauty. It differs significantly from the procedure performed with other indoor plants. The roots of azalea contain a unique microflora: if it is violated, the flower will die. An earthen lump together with the plant is immersed in water, leaving it to soak for a while. Change it 2-3 times until about a third of the land remains. Water should be used soft and settled. As a result of the procedure, space is freed for fresh substrate and the necessary microflora is preserved. It is better to purchase the soil ready, specially designed for this plant. It has the right amount of organic matter, has the appropriate acidity and water permeability.
The pot is selected wide, a large depth is not required, because the root system of the azalea is superficial. Be sure to lay on the bottom of the drainage layer. Care must be taken to keep the root neck on the surface.
Until the plant reaches three years of age, the transplant is carried out annually, then every 2-3 years. Signs indicating the need to change the "housing" for the flower is the appearance of moss on the surface of the substrate or the dense entanglement of the roots of an earthen coma.
Top dressing
The fertilizing process for a plant such as azalea indica mix is quite specific. Home care requires top dressing during each watering. Special complex fertilizers for azaleas are used. They begin to contribute 3 weeks after the acquisition of the plant in the store.
Classical top dressing is recommended during the period of growth, the formation of the kidneys. The plant needs mineral fertilizers. Superphosphate is bred at the rate of half a tablespoon per 10 liters of water and applied to moist soil.
In the summer, when the flower goes through a dormant phase, fertilizing is stopped.
Breeding
Azalea indica propagates in three ways: seeds, cuttings and layering. The first method is quite complicated and is the prerogative of specialists. Using the remaining methods, you can get new flowering plants after 2 years.
For propagation by cuttings, it is necessary to cut last year's lignified shoots. Young for landing are not suitable. Using a secateurs, cut the stalk up to 10 cm long at an acute angle. After removal of the lower leaves, it is placed in a growth stimulator for a period of 8 hours. Cuttings are planted in a small container with a pre-prepared substrate, which consists of peat, coconut fiber and perlite. After planting, young plants need to be properly watered. After a year, the seedlings are ready for transplanting into individual pots, and after another they will please with their flowering appearance. Cuttings are cut only from healthy plants, not more than once a year.
Propagation of the azalea by shoots is even simpler. The strongest of all is selected, bends close to the surface of the soil and is pressed with a regular hairpin. The soil in this place must be sprinkled and wait for rooting. After 2 months, the shoot will be ready for transplantation into a separate pot. In order for the bushes to grow lush, the top of the flower should be pinched.
Diseases and Pests
Only knowing how to care for the azalea indica mix, and showing a little hard work, you can get a beautiful plant that can become a decoration of the home. With a violation of technology related to care, problems begin to arise.
Yellowing and drying of the leaves is the result of exposure to direct sunlight.
Falling foliage and flowers is associated with a lack of moisture. Plant for restoration needs abundant watering.
With an excess of moisture, the leaves wither and turn yellow, the shoots begin to dry. In this case, the flower needs a transplant in another pot.
When growing an azalea indica plant, caring for it includes the control of insect pests. Of these, the most dangerous is the spider mite. Its appearance is also associated with errors in the care of the plant. Spraying with a soap solution or fungicide will help get rid of the pest. No less dangerous is the strawberry tick that penetrates into the plant. Shoots, inflorescences as a result of his invasion become shapeless, the kidneys become smaller. Only special fungicides can save the flower.
Azalea indica, the photo of which is presented in this article, has extraordinary energy, helping residents relieve nervous tension, restore strength.