1、 Origin

Rhododendron originally lived at high altitudes, mostly distributed and grown in forests or shrubs on hillsides, and produced in Southwest China

2、 Environmental requirements

(1) Temperature: Rhododendron likes cool climate, hot and dry, which is not conducive to the growth of Rhododendron. The best temperature is 15 to 20 degrees

(2) Soil: the soil is required to be loose, fertile and moist, with pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The cohesive and thick soil is not suitable for its growth

(3) Sunshine: Rhododendron is not resistant to exposure, but it needs some light. Pay attention to shade in summer and autumn, and ensure sufficient sunshine in spring and winter

3、 Fertilization and watering

(1) Basin soil: use fertile and soft soil rich in nutrients to control pH and keep the basin soil acidic

(2) Phosphate fertilizer can be added once a month before flowering in spring and autumn, which can make the flower buds grow better and prepare for the flowering period. In the growth period, there is more fertilizer and water in the flowering period

(3) Summer and winter are dormant period. Pay attention to control the amount of fertilizer supply and watering to prevent root rot due to excessive fertilizer and water

(4) dry area, cultured dew dew azaleas should be watered and sprayed in time. When water is added, iron solution or vinegar can be added to the water. It is helpful for the improvement of soil quality and flower quality

4、 Pattern management

Picking the heart of Rhododendron can accelerate the blooming of flowers. However, the redundant branches should be cut off in time to avoid affecting the growth of flowers and the shape and price of flowers. Timely cut off redundant and poorly shaped branches to avoid excessive waste of nutrients

5、 Delay or advance of flowering

Cooling and warming the dew Rhododendron can delay or advance the flowering period. The flowering period can be advanced by moving it to indoor cultivation, temperature control, frequent watering and maintaining more than 80% relative humidity. Putting the Rhododendron with flower buds in a low temperature of 2 ~ 4 degrees can delay the watering when the flowering pot is dry, and it can bloom outdoors for two weeks

6、 Pest control

(1) Leaf swelling: spray Bordeaux solution of 1:1:200 and remove the diseased leaves in time. After onset, spray 500 times of mancozeb solution once every seven days

(2) Root rot: the disease is caused by Streptomyces, which lives in the soil and can infect plants for years. The diseased plants should be soaked or washed with 0.1% potassium permanganate solution, washed with tap water and then planted in the basin. Put the plants in a well ventilated and sunny place and apply more potassium fertilizer