Azaleas belong to the Rhododendron plant genus. The term “indoor azaleas” refers to the Indian and Japanese azaleas. The term “garden azalea” refers to deciduous rhododendron species. If the plants retain their leaves even in winter, they are called rhododendrons.
How should you properly fertilize an azalea?
Azaleas should be fertilized with an organic NKP fertilizer, where nitrogen and potassium are approximately equal and phosphorus is lower. Use slow-release fertilizer in April or alternative azalea fertilizers according to the manufacturer's instructions. Home remedies such as coffee grounds, banana peels and tea can also be used.
Does the azalea need a special fertilizer?
When fertilizing azaleas, the most important thing is thecomposition of the NKP fertilizer. The proportions of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) should be approximately the same, while that of phosphorus should be lower. In addition, the azalea / rhododendron fertilizer should be made from organic material. In this way, it contributes to the creation of humus, which the plants need for good development.
How often should the azalea be fertilized?
To fertilize an azalea in a pot,long-term fertilizersare ideal because they release the nutrients over a period of several months. If you give the indoor azalea the fertilizer in the second half of April, the effect should extend into autumn. An alternative is azalea fertilizers without long-term effects. When fertilizing these products, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
What home remedies can I use to fertilize an azalea?
There arevarious home remedies that you can use to fertilize an indoor azalea:
- dried coffee grounds: from spring to autumn every two to three weeks
- small chopped banana peels: mix into the substrate when repotting
- Stale green or black tea: use as irrigation water
You can also pamper the houseplant with nettle broth and a homemade liquid fertilizer made from compost. For the latter, put about 250 grams of compost in a two-liter bottle and add water. Then let the mixture sit in the sun for two days.
Tip
Do not fertilize indoor azalea during flowering
Indoor azaleas bloom between September and April. Fertilization is stopped during this time. In addition, you should not supply the plants with additional nutrients shortly after flowering.
