Azalea (Rhododendron) Indoor Care: Cool, Bright, Moist for Blooms

Why Yours Struggle

Azaleas need cool temps, high light, constant moisture, and a winter chill to bloom. Indoors year-round rarely works.

Regimen for Flowers

• Summer outdoors: semi-shade, cool, damp.
• Fall: leave out until near freezing.
• Winter indoors: sunny window, 50°F nights, soil damp.
• Prune ⅓ after spring bloom.
• Acid fertilizer when active.

Reviving Declined Plants

• Green one: may bloom if given cool/bright regime.
• Resprouting one: prune ⅓, wait weeks. No growth = dead.
• Apparent dead: prune ⅓. Dry tissue inside = dead. Discard if no growth in weeks.

Watering

Constantly moist (not soggy). Never dry out once.

Realistic

Once severely defoliated, azaleas rarely regain beauty. Often best replaced.