Azalea (Indoor) Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Rhododendron

Heath Family

Dwarf Shrub

In recent decades, azalea breeders have developed indoor varieties of the spectacular flowering plant type that was once suitable only for outdoor garden settings. These new hybrids can be kept inside year round--and they can be made to reflower successfully year after year--if a few basic requirements are met.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Bright indirect sunlight is necessary (for example, in an unobstructed northern window or out of direct sunlight in an eastern or western window).

WATERING: Make sure the soil is kept evenly moist--but not waterlogged. If the plant dries out thoroughly, it probably will not recover.

FEEDING: During bud formation and flowering, use a high-phosphorus (high middle number) fertilizer according to product directions. Supplement throughout the year with a high-nitrogen (high first number) fertilizer.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Check periodically for whiteflies, spider mites, and mealy bug insects. All these pests can be controlled with careful insecticide applications.

Ask a Chalet horticulturist for specific product recommendations. Separately, avoid low humidity by using a water-filled gravel tray under the plant, or a room humidifier.