Bonsai Rhododendron indicum (Azalea)

Technical characteristics:

Situation: Outside all year round.

Irrigation: abundantly in summer and moderately in winter. It requires pure water, with an acid pH. It does not support lime.

FAMILY

Ericaceae

SUBSCRIBER

From spring to fall.

TRANSPLANT

Every 2 or 3 years, after flowering.

SUBSTRATUM

Acid PH. 100% Kanuma, or mixed with 20% volcanic gravel.

PRUNING

Pruning is done after flowering.

GRIPPING

The pinching, when the bud has lengthened from 6 to 8 leaves, cut leaving two leaves. It is convenient to clarify the flowers, so as not to weaken the plant. We will leave the flowers for a week, after which we will remove them. At the point of insertion of the flowers is where the buds will appear, usually five in number. From these shoots we will select the two that are best located horizontally, eliminating the rest. We will clamp these two shoots to two leaves. We will also remove the old leaves.

WIRING

Spring Curiosities: In Japan, the cultivation of azaleas as bonsai forms a separate discipline, having its own association of amateurs and professionals. The azalea, unlike most plants worked as bonsai, has more vigor in the lower branches than in the apex, which we must take into account when pruning and pinching.

* Observations: The shape and measurements of the bonsai are approximate. The color and shape of the pot may vary from the one in the photo. Remember that a bonsai is a living being, that is why the images that appear are representative.