Actually, the azalea is known as an evergreen plant. This means she shouldn't shed large amounts of leaves. If this happens, the cause should be found quickly so that the plant can be helped.
In a nutshell
- Sticking to care requirements can protect against leaf fall
- wrong location, wrong watering or fertilizing can be causes of leaf fall
- in rare cases it is a fungal disease
Table of contents
- Claims of the Azalea
- Wrong location
- irrigation
- fertilizer
- Diseases
- frequently asked Questions
Claims of the Azalea
As an evergreen plant, the azalea (Azalea) never large amounts of foliage. Normally she only changes part of her foliage during the growth phase and this works so slowly that the few leaves she actually loses go no further stand out. However, the plant will only remain in this healthy state if its needs are met.
She has the following claims:
- the right location, not too much sun, but also no lack of light
- regular watering, without waterlogging
- need-based fertilization
Wrong location
If the azalea is left in the midday sun, this can lead to burn damage on the leaves, and as a result the affected leaves will be lost. In addition, too much sun leads to faster drying out of the root ball.
In a place that is too dark, the azalea will take care of itself. The leaves remain small, may turn yellowish and eventually fall off.
The best location for an azalea is semi-shady, not too dry and sheltered from the wind. A certain amount of air circulation should nevertheless take place so that fungal diseases do not occur.
A notice: Azaleas like slightly acidic soil, if you do not pay attention to this, it can lead to a nutrient deficiency.
irrigation
Waterlogging is particularly dangerous for the azalea. Then the roots rot and the plant lets the leaves droop. Since this looks to the viewer as if the plant is not getting enough water, it is often watered even more. Eventually the plant sheds its leaves and dies.
This is why correct watering is so important:
- water only when the top layer of soil feels dry
- Don't let the root ball dry out
- Before watering again when the leaves are hanging, check the soil
- if the soil is wet, repot the plant in dry substrate and do not water again immediately
- make sure to use low-lime water
- otherwise the azalea may become ill
- also leads to the loss of leaves
fertilizer
For healthy growth and many flowers, the azalea needs sufficient nutrients. It is important to ensure that it is originally at home in acidic locations. Just like calcareous water, it does not tolerate calcareous fertilizers. It makes sense to plant garden azaleas in the early spring with compost to fertilize. Indoor azaleas are fertilized with liquid fertilizer when watering.
A notice: Yellowing, sickly looking leaves are an indication of a nutrient deficiency.
Diseases
If your azalea loses leaves, few diseases can result. This includes, for example, the dieback caused by a fungus. The plant not only loses its leaves, entire shoots perish. To stop the spread of the fungus, everyone affected Parts of the plant are removed. Dispose of the trimmings in the household waste so that the fungus cannot spread further via the compost.
frequently asked Questions
In fact, only Japanese azaleas are evergreen, but they are cared for particularly often. Deciduous species and varieties naturally lose their leaves in autumn. Don't worry, they will sprout again in the spring.
No, as soon as they are exposed to temperatures below freezing, they will freeze to death. This also leads to subsequent leaf fall, but nothing can be done about it because the plant will then have died. Room azaleas should therefore only be outdoors in the warm season.
A mulch cover cannot harm the plants and offers additional protection against severe frost. It is important to water the plants in winter to avoid frost drought. The frost hardness is also determined by the location, if the plant is too wet, it is less resistant. Frozen shoots lose their leaves in spring, they should then be cut back.