Sure, daisies and petunias are nice, but are you ready for something rare and beautiful? Something that goes beyond the ordinary and brings a touch of almost rare beauty to your balcony or garden? Try Azaleas.
This plant belongs to the rhododendron family. They offer visual drama and colour intensity that is simply not found in your typical flowers. Let’s read more about how you can grow azaleas at home and care for these plants!
The best time to grow this plant is February to April. These are easy to grow, and 2-3 flowers grow at once! They are also very fast growing plants and can grow really tall, but if you don’t have that much space, you can keep trimming them and make them bushier. Read this blog to know everything you need to know about azaleas.
Why are azaleas worth it?
But azaleas are cool for more reasons than just looking amazing:
Aesthetic flowers: Seriously, you can not miss them. When azaleas are blooming, they're like a magnet for your eyes. They just make everything look prettier and more cheerful.
Attracts Butterflies and Bees: Bees and butterflies love azaleas. If you always wanted bees and butterflies to visit your garden, this is a perfect plant for that. I personally love to see butterflies on my balcony every everyday.
Easy to Care for: These flowers are easy to care for and don’t need much from you. Just pick the right soil and prune them well.
How to Plant Azaleas
Read below to find out how you can easily plant azaleas at home. I am also covering how to repot the plant easily at home without giving the plant a repotting shock.
Sunlight
Just like all flowering plants, these plants also demand a sunny spot in your garden. But make sure that they get some shade too, especially during afternoons. Too much heat can burn the leaves.
Soil
Azaleas grow well in well draining soil. You can add compost every 2 weeks to make them grow better and bigger. Acidic soil is very important for this plant to grow. You can add aluminium sulphate mixed in water to make the soil acidic if the flowers are not blooming well.
They prefer soil with a pH of 4 to 6, and to help azaleas get this acidic, add organic matter like dried leaves and peat moss.
Repotting
When you are repotting, make sure you let the plants rest for a few days in the shade. Once these plants settle in their new home, you can repot them into slightly bigger pots. This is not really necessary. If you’ve ordered the plants in a nursery bag, then this is a crucial step.
Remove the plant from the pot or nursery bag very carefully and place it in the new pot. You want the top of the root ball (that is, the ball of dirt and roots at the bottom of the plant) to be level with the ground when you plant it.
Add more soil if needed. Mist a little and leave the plant in the shade for a day. Make sure you repot during the evening so the roots can get a little time to cool down.
How to care for Azaleas
Now you have a potted azalea, here’s how you can take care of them
Watering
Azaleas need frequent watering. If you’re confused about whether you’re supposed to water the plant or not, just stick your finger in the soil, and if it feels dry, it is time to water. When it is hot and dry outside, you might need to water them more often, but make sure you do not overwater.
Fertiliser
Since they need acidic soil, you can add NPK, which is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. And you can also add organic matter and/or vermicompost.
You can find both of them easily available on Urvann.
Pruning
Azaleas do not need a lot of pruning or trimming. The best time to prune is right after they're done flowering. You can just cut off any branches that are dead, and you can trim them a little bit if you want.
Insects and Pests
This plant is a little prone to insects and bugs attacking it. Be careful of bugs and mites and take precautions as soon as you see something, and if you see something you're not sure about, you can always leave a comment, and we will get back to you ASAP!
My final thoughts
We all wish for plants that make the house look beautiful, attract bees and butterflies, and make us feel happy every time we look at them.
I have grown azaleas for the last 4 years, and every time they bloom, they make me feel at peace. and I think they deserve more popularity and love.
I hope this blog was helpful, and if you have any unanswered questions, do leave a comment, and I would love to help you out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do azaleas grow in India?
Yes, azaleas can grow in India, especially in cooler regions like the northeastern states (Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh) and hill stations such as Darjeeling and Ooty.
What do azaleas symbolise?
Azaleas symbolise love, passion, and fragility. In some cultures, they represent abundance and good luck, while in others, they are a reminder to take care of oneself and loved ones.
Where do azaleas grow best?
Azaleas grow best in temperate climates with mild summers and cool winters. They prefer acidic, well-draining soil and dappled sunlight. In India, they do well in hilly regions where temperatures are moderate and humidity is balanced.
Do azaleas smell?
Yes, they have a sweet fragrance that can fill your garden or home with happiness and joy.
Is azalea an indoor plant?
Azaleas can be both indoor and outdoor plants. Some varieties, like the Indian Azalea, grow well indoors if given bright, indirect light and cool temperatures. Most azaleas are happier outdoors, where they can enjoy plenty of fresh air and filtered sunlight.
What do azaleas attract?
Azaleas are like magnets for beauty! They attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, adding life and colour to your garden. But they can also draw aphids and lace bugs, so keep an eye out for unwanted bugs.
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