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Online Library / Winter
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| Article - Azaleas |
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Season: All
Category: Indoor Plant
Azaleas
The flowering plants we enjoy in our homes during the winter months are descendants of species that thrived in far-off places many years ago. Azaleas, the bushy plants covered with masses of blooms, were first found in the Himalayas in 1847 by Sir Joseph Hooker, the English Botanist.
The Queen of Flowering Plants
When you receive a flowering azalea, you are getting a plant that’s at least one year old. Larger pots are two or more years old. The technology to flower azaleas, which are actually shrubs in pots, is part art and part science developed over the last one hundred years. The combination of beauty, durability, and outstanding value have earned azaleas the name “Queen of Flowering Plants” - a status they deserve. Azaleas are easy to care for. By following a few simple directions, your azalea will flower for a month or longer in your home. It’s critical that you don’t allow your azalea to wilt. Wilting will shorten the time of flowering more than any other treatment. Depending on the temperature and humidity in your home, you may need to water every other day. with a cup or more of water. The important point is never to let the soil in the pot get dry. It should always be a bit moist. Water the plant by pouring water into the top of the pot until water runs out the bottom. We suggest doing this over the sink. Be sure the plant is taking up the water and that it’s not just running through dry soil. The plant should feel heavier after watering. If your azalea does dry out, give it a “bubble bath”. Run tepid water in the sink and submerge the whole pot until bubbles stop coming from the pot. Your azalea shouldn’t be allowed to sit in water for more than one hour.
During the fall, winter and spring months, plants can be kept in a sunny location. During the summer, the plants should be placed out of direct sunlight to avoid burning the flowers. They enjoy the same temperatures as you do, or a little cooler if you have a choice. While in flower, your azalea requires no fertilizer. After flowering, your azalea can be kept inside or placed outside when temperatures are above freezing. With proper care, your plants can be brought back inside to flower again. Select an outdoor site where the plant will receive partial shade. Morning light is preferred over hot afternoon sun. Azaleas are a woodland plant. Make sure it is a location where the plant will be well watered. Azaleas need to have their roots remain moist, but not standing in water. Azaleas have very fine root systems. Fertilize at rates one-fourth to one-half the normal recommended levels of general houseplant fertilizer
Reflowering you Azaleak
In the fall, after your azalea has grown some new leaves and buds and has been exposed to cool, but not freezing, fall nights, it can be brought back inside to flower again. It’s best to wait as long as possible in the fall, just before a killing freeze, to bring the plant inside. This will help insure more and larger flowers. Place your plant in a bright area until the flowers are opened. Flowers should appear about five to eight weeks after bringing the plant indoors. This process can be repeated on a yearly basis. Individual azalea plants have been grown in pots for many years as patio plants or bonsai and brought back into flower on a yearly basis.
With their soft and pleasing palette of colors including shades of reds pinks, whites, and variegated, azaleas will complement any environment. Try an azalea to brighten your winter windowsill.
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Forth Floral Inc. ~ P.O. Box 616, Rhinelander WI. 54501 ~ TF: 1-800-382-4942 P: 715-362-7600
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