Rhododendron Pflege: Standort, Gießen und weitere nützliche Infos-Botanicly

Rhododendron care: location, watering and other useful information

The colorful rhododendron - a special plant

The somewhat more demanding rhododendron shrub scores above all with its colorful flowers, which amaze everyone who sees them. You can grow them in a wide variety of colors in your apartment or on the balcony or terrace and thus create a colorful atmosphere. We have lots of useful info on how you can create this lively environment with the right rhododendron care.

The story of the rhododendron

The plant genus rhododendrons counts an impressive 850 to 1000 species. The main area of ​​distribution is also in China, where around 650 wild species occur. Most of them grow in the Himalayas. But the rhododendron also has its natural home in the constantly humid high mountains in other parts of Asia and North America.

From a botanical point of view, the evergreen shrubs of the rhododendron species belong to the heather family (Ericaceae).

The green foliage is accompanied by colorful flowers, the color spectrum of which is enormous. From April they show themselves in their full bloom. We often use hybrids of rhododendrons. The best known are those of the Catawbiense group, the Williamsianum hybrids and the Yakushimanum hybrids.

The right rhododendron care: watering, cutting, propagating etc.

If you want the evergreen shrub to develop its full blooms in radiant color at home, then you should pay attention to a few things when caring for the rhododendron.

Find the right rhododendron location

If you grow your rhododendron plant as a container plant, then you can put it outside on the balcony or terrace in summer. There he feels most comfortable in a partially shaded and wind-protected location. Plants that you keep in your apartment like it bright, but not direct sunlight.

Also avoid placing your rhododendron next to the heater as it does not tolerate dry hot air very well. Temperatures between 18 and 21 degrees are optimal for them.

For the winter, it is best to bring your rhododendron back into the apartment if this is possible. However, if you leave it outside, make sure the pot is on a thick styrofoam sheet. The leaves often curl up in frost. Don't worry, they'll roll up again as soon as it gets warmer.

Rosafarbenes Rhododendron

Use the right rhododendron soil

The right choice of soil is very important when caring for rhododendrons. In addition to acidic properties, it should also be very rich in humus. Soil pH should be between 4.0 and 5.0 for ideal plant growth.

If the pH value is above this, iron is only available to the plant to a limited extent. As a result, the plant can no longer muster enough energy for its growth.

Besides that, the water storage capacity of the substrate should be quite high. In this way, waterlogging in the pot can be avoided. If you want to be on the safe side, you can use special rhododendron soil. It contains exactly the components that ericaceous plants, such as rhododendrons, need.

Water the rhododendron: lime-free water is a must!

For watering, please always use lime-free water, such as rainwater. Watering too often or the wrong substrate can quickly lead to waterlogging. You should avoid this in any case, because the fine roots of the rhododendron are very sensitive.

If your plant is outdoors, make sure that the rainwater can always run off easily.Rhododendron plants kept indoors can be watered using the immersion method

Simply dip the pot in a bucket of water. As soon as no more air bubbles rise, you can take it out again and let it drain well.

Fertilize the rhododendron

An optimal rhododendron care also includes choosing the right fertilizer. This is how you support the plant in its growth. It is important here that the important nutrients must be directly absorbable in the soil, since the rhododendron carries its roots on the surface.

Organic fertilizers or special rhododendron fertilizers are best. Between April and October is the best time for supplemental feeding.

Tip: Rhododendron species can be fertilized with coffee grounds. You can easily spread the dry coffee grounds around the plant or add it to the irrigation water. Phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen have a positive effect on the plant's metabolism. But you can also use special rhododendron fertilizer.

Kaffeesatz als Blumendünger

Pruning rhododendron: The taper cut

As a rule, the rhododendron does not have to be cut very often. If so, please note the rule of thumb: either before (February) or after (autumn) the flowering period, the plant gets a cut. Small rose scissors are best for a gentle cut.

For a rejuvenation of the rhododendron, a hard pruning is very helpful. If you cut back branches up to half a meter above the ground, new fresh shoots can grow there.

Tip: If you divide the regeneration cut back into two or three years, the plant will tolerate it better as it will not suddenly lose most of its branches and leaves.

Properly repot rhododendrons

As with all indoor plants, if the plant has grown too big, you should definitely plant it in a new pot. Even if the substrate has gone or the soil no longer meets the needs of the plant, repotting is necessary. Spring and fall are good for this.

Repotting is recommended in May after the ice saints, as the rhododendron then has enough time to take root in the new pot. After repotting, the plant should get the same site conditions as before, so that it can develop healthy plant growth.

Lilafarbenes Rhododendron

Propagating rhododendrons: form your little family

The best way to propagate the rhododendron to a large family is to use the offshoot method. One possibility is propagation by offshoots in robust or old rhododendrons. The best time to do this is after flowering.

With the offshoot method, you separate the bark about 15 centimeters below the leaves. To keep the cut open, it is best to place a match between them. This pruning is important because it will root in the next spring.

Once root formation has taken place, you can separate the new plant from its mother plant and plant it in a suitable pot. Please water vigorously afterwards.

Is the rhododendron poisonous?

As beautiful and colorful as the different rhododendron species are, some unfortunately contain substances that can be toxic to humans and animals. Leaves, flowers and pollen can contain the toxins and cause symptoms of poisoning when eaten. Signs are, for example, irritation of the mucous membranes, nausea or even dizzy spells. The symptoms are similar in pets such as dogs and cats.

Roseefarbenes Rhododendron

Tips for problems with the rhododendron

Unfortunately, chlorosis often occurs in rhododendrons.Signs of this disease are brown or yellow leaves. Chlorosis, which is basically due to a lack of nutrients, often sets in in young plants. In severe cases, growth disorders can also occur.

The reason for this lack of nutrients is the too calcareous soil in which the rhododendron grows.

Tip: It is best to use only lime-free water, such as rainwater, for watering.

Find your personal plant

Now you know what proper rhododendron care looks like. If you want to bring the right counterpart for your rhododendron to your home, let yourself be inspired by our range . There you will find a selection of indoor plants that are perfectly tailored to you and your home. Now it's up to you to put your green fingers in your hands and create a ggreen and lively atmosphere in your home!

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