1、 Breeding method

1. Sunshine: Rhododendron is not suitable for exposure to the sun, but it can grow under scattered light. Too much sunlight can lead to leaf burns, withered edges and death. Therefore, we must shade in time at noon in summer, or put it in a semi shady place

2. Soil: Rhododendron has certain requirements for soil. In addition to good drainage, it is best to be acidic. Generally, rotten leaf soil and sandy soil are mixed, and a small amount of cake fertilizer is introduced as base fertilizer

3. Watering: the Rhododendron can't be watered dry or damp, just keep the soil slightly moist. Generally, water every two to three days in spring and autumn. It needs to be watered every day in summer, and it needs to be watered again when it is dry in winter. Water quality should also be strictly controlled. Ferrous sulfate or vinegar can be used to acidify before use, and the temperature should be close to room temperature

4. Fertilization: fertilizing Rhododendron is very demanding. In early spring, organic fertilizer can be added to the flower pot as the base fertilizer. After flowering, topdressing once every 15 days. When the branches stop growing, they can stop fertilizing. Topdressing once in autumn is beneficial to overwintering, but it is not suitable to apply fertilizer in winter

2、 Reproductive skills

There are many ways of propagation of Rhododendron, which can be propagated by cutting, grafting, layering, branching and sowing. Cutting is the most common, mostly from May to June. Select the current year's branches, cut out 10 cm segments with nodes, keep 3-4 leaves at the top, and remove all the rest. Insert the cuttings into the basin soil for 3-4cm, compact and water them, and wait for them to take root before transplanting

3、 Pest control

1. Diseases: root rot, brown spot, black spot, etc. The diseased branches and leaves should be cut off and sprayed with medicine to prevent recurrence

2. Insect pests: common are red spider, aphid, etc. Wipe out the pests with a wet rag, and then spray the larvae with pesticides