The moon is not only noticeable through the tides, but also influences all fluid in all life forms. In order to gain a better foothold, the rhododendron needs growth-promoting support from light and nutrients. This is exactly why many gardeners use the power of the moon to care for rhododendrons. Further tips for rhododendron care
How do you properly care for rhododendrons?
When caring for rhododendrons, pay attention to correct watering, acidic substrate and adequate fertilization. The plants do not tolerate hard water and should be cut back if necessary. Root protection is advisable in winter, especially for potted plants.
Perfect rhododendron care – how and when to water?
Small watering errors often cause major plant damage. Typical example: The amount of irrigation water is required overall, but is administered in unfavorable quantities and time intervals. It makes sense to inform yourself about correct watering.
Older, well-rooted plants regulate their water balance themselves under normal weather conditions. A freshly planted or cut back rhododendron must be watered thoroughly even in rainy weather. A watering edge gathered around the roots keeps the water at the roots. After rooting, water once a week is sufficient.
Too wet or too dry? Ask the spade or your finger
Dig a small hole with the spade. If the soil is dry up to a depth of ten centimeters, water must be thoroughly watered. Depending on the weather, place the hose on the plant for an hour and let the water seep away slowly using low pressure. Watering for too short a time only moistens the surface. Mulching maintains and increases soil moisture.
With potted plants, your finger can feel at a depth of 3 cm whether they need water. Watering intervals that are too short wash out the nutrients quickly. Liquid fertilizer immediately compensates for any deficiency.
The plant needs moist roots but not waterlogging! Therefore, make sure that the soil or pot ball is moist but not submerged in water. The general rule for shallow-rooted plants is: it's better to do more and not so often than just a little regularly.
Which watering water do rhododendrons prefer?
A rhododendron does not tolerate hard water. Therefore rainwater or stale tap water. To soften irrigation water, simply hang a bag of peat in the irrigation water for a day!
Perfect rhododendron care – but how to repot?
Whether large or small - as a shallow-rooted rhododendron can be repotted relatively easily. The right time: During the full moon in spring or early autumn, in order to form sufficient roots in time before the first sub-zero temperatures.
Repotting – what to do?
A rhododendron prefers a partially shaded location and acidic soil with a pH value of 4.0 to a maximum of 5.5.
Before repotting, cut back the rhododendron a little, break off any umbels that have bloomed and shorten the roots a little, this activates new root formation and stimulates growth. Water rhododendron balls well. Plant the plant at the same height as before. Under no circumstances go any deeper or the roots will suffer. Press the rhododendron soil lightly and water it generously and then fertilize it a little in three weeks. Then wait for the Sherpas and drink rhododendron tea until the next lush blossoms in spring
Pruning rhododendrons – when and how?
Rhododendron cut on a waning moon cannot bleed to death because the juices drain away. The closer to the new moon the better the effect. Prune rhododendrons at the right time so that the plant recovers during the summer and produces new flower heads.
Cut rhododendron – how?
Make sure to cut slightly at an angle and avoid cutting horizontally! Not just to keep your fellow human beings out of danger;), but so that rainwater doesn't collect on the cut surface and freeze in sub-zero temperatures.
Rhododendron pests – which pests are the worst?
Rhododendrons attract numerous insects. These rhododendron pests particularly often attack the plant.
- Aphids
- Whitefly
- Black weevil beetle
- Bugs
- Cicadas
Why yellow leaves?
Just like people, plants turn pale and yellow when something is missing or when they are sick. Yellow leaves and pale green indicate deficiency symptoms in rhododendrons. Another sure sign of this is that the rhododendron does not form buds and does not bloom.
Why brown leaves?
Despite proper care and optimal location, brown leaves and spots on buds can affect the rhododendron. To take effective action, you need to know what causes the illnesses. Insidious rhododendron pests are spreading: We will show you how to get rid of the killers quickly and permanently and effectively treat discolored leaves.
Fertilize rhododendrons – how and when?
In order to achieve dense growth and colorful flowers in rhododendrons, correct fertilization plays an important role. Because the root system of rhododendrons branches widely on the surface, nutrients must be immediately absorbable in the soil. To fertilize rhododendrons, it is best to use organic fertilizer or special rhododendron fertilizers.
Avoid calcareous fertilizers such as primary rock powder. In addition to a pH value that is too high, most rhododendron varieties react sensitively to calcareous soils. On the other hand, like all shrubs, they appreciate mulch in loose soil.
Rhododendron in winter – what should you watch out for?
Rhododendrons overwinter in the garden in our latitudes. A protected location and additional covering of the roots with brushwood are only required for species that are cultivated in containers and are less hardy. Important: Don't forget to water in dry winter weather as long as the ground doesn't freeze. As evergreen plants, rhododendrons evaporate a lot of water through their large leaves.
Tips & Tricks
Rhododendrons are important scaffolding and structure builders in the garden. You can plant them not only individually, but also in groups or as hedges.
