Question
Hello Will,

I recently received three tiny pots with azaleas in them from 1-800-FLOWERS that came with no plant care advice!  The pots are probably 2 inches in diameter and depth and I have been watering them daily.  I was keeping them 10 feet from the window but today moved them onto my westward facing window sill, thinking they may need more light.  The leaves are still perfect but the flowers are rusting/browning.  How much light do they need?  Have I been watering them too much?  What temperature do they like best?  In Minnesota its been in the 90's F, recently, and we don't have central air conditioning.  When should I repot them?  How big of a pot should I use?  

Thanks so much for any help you can give me!

Erica

Answer
Hi Erica,

Ouch! No instructions.

With pots that small, daily watering is probably necesssary to keep the soil from drying out. Azaleas do not tolerate dry soil at all and they also don't do well in temps much above 75 degrees. Either dryness or excess heat can cause the flowers to die prematurely. They also need lots of light and should be right on a sunny windowsill.

As soon as the flowers have faded, I suggest that you put the three plants together into a six-inch pot if they will squeeze in or otherwise an eight-inch pot. Fill in the spaces between them with a peat-based potting mix. The added soil will help keep the roots moist longer in between waterings. After the repotting, it is best to water as soon as the surface of the soil feels almost dry.

I must warn you that it is difficult to get Azaleas to re-flower in the average home.

Good luck and please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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