If the rhododendron is not being properly cared for and is in the wrong location, it will quickly look dry. In adverse conditions, the flowering shrub separates from all above-ground parts of the plant that are not necessary for its survival. If the plant has been cared for incorrectly, suitable countermeasures must be taken promptly to prevent it from dying off completely.
Rododendron or Rhododendron
A spelling mistake is often made with the plant, instead of rhododendrons, many people write rododendrons. The name is made up of the Greek "rhodon" for rose and "dendron" for tree, which is why this rose tree is always written with an "h".
causes
If rhododendrons appear dry, there can be many different causes. Most of the time, the culprit is an inadequate supply of water. Especially in the hot summer months with little rainfall, leaves, flowers and shoots dry out quickly. During this time of year, many people also go on vacation, so the plants are not watered at all during this period. When it comes to irrigation, both the frequency and the amount of water used are decisive. These aspects must be individually adapted to the size of the flowering bushes, the site conditions and the weather.
- Long and extremely dry periods of heat weaken the plants
- Insufficient casting units lead to dry areas
- Watering too seldom and at the wrong time
- In the midday heat, irrigation water evaporates quickly
- Lack of watering in dry winter
- Damaged roots reduce water absorption
- Too many leaves were removed when pruning
- Sensitive plant suffers from diseases
Verification
Careful inspection can determine whether the rhododendron has only dried up on the outside or is completely dead. It is therefore important to pay attention to specific facts in the plant that indicate that life is still present. If cell structures are still intact, the flowering bushes can form new plant tissue again. Only when the cells have lost more than seventy percent of their water is the rhododendron in question as good as dead. Specimens that have dried up above ground can still live in the root area and sprout again after the right measures. However, the attempt to save a dried up plant is often unsuccessful. Nevertheless, it is always worth reviving, especially if the plants are older and larger,
- Scrape off some of the bark to check
- Green in the trunk indicates life
- The trunk is still moist despite the dried shoots
- Then rescue is possible
- Leaves are yellow, but not brown in color
- Often the fallen leaves are still green
- Flowers hang limply
- Leaves curl up together
Rescue for potted plants
As long as the roots of the tub plants are not damaged, attempts to save them are worthwhile and can be crowned with success. Since missing watering units are one of the most common causes of dried out plant parts, the plants must first be supplied with plenty of liquid. In the case of potted plants, however, there is a risk of harmful overwatering. It is therefore advisable to give the plants an extensive water bath. Once the substrate has almost dried out, it will no longer be able to absorb and store water as well in the future. This is why repotting is a good idea, so that good ventilation is also ensured. In addition, the weakened plant needs the right fertilizers to receive vital nutrients. In this way, the rhododendron can soon regain its energy.
- Place the plant and its bucket in a water bucket
- However, the vessel must have a drainage hole
- Otherwise, put the plant in the water bath without a pot
- Roots and substrate must absorb sufficient water
- Do not remove until no more air bubbles rise
- However, do not leave it in the water bath for more than a day
- Repot and supply with fresh substrate
- Carry out an intensive fertilizer cure
- Fertilizers especially for rhododendrons are ideal
- Never apply fertilizer on dry soil
Note: Never place rhododendrons in direct sunlight. Provide sun protection in the midday heat on a full sun window sill.
Rescue for bedding plants
In the case of potted plants, the rescue measures are much easier, as they can be repositioned and repotted individually. In contrast, this is not possible with rhododendrons in the bed. Small growths can still be carefully dug up and then placed in a water bath. On the other hand, larger specimens are firmly rooted in the location and cannot survive a move without serious damage. Nevertheless, even a dried up rhododendron in the bed can still be saved with the appropriate measures if the roots are still alive. Protection against too much is important
- First loosen the soil around the bushes
- Then water extensively, directly on the rootstock
- About 10-20 liters per day, depending on the size of the plants and the weather
- Carry out casting units over several days
- A watering can with a liter specification is ideal
- Apply sun protection in full sun
- Other plants that provide shade are ideal
- Lay a thick layer of mulch over the root area
- Only fertilize again when the plant has noticeably recovered
Tip: An automatic irrigation system can be used to regularly supply the rhododendrons in the bed with sufficient water. In this way, even a longer vacation stay does not become a problem.
Cut back
If the leaves of the flowering shrubs are almost completely brown, a new sprout is extremely unlikely. Rolled up and dried leaves provide natural protection against excessive evaporation. In this case, the plants should be cut back promptly to avoid further drying out. In this way, the already very weakened plant does not waste itself on nourishing the dried up shoots. The rhododendron then uses its remaining energy to develop new shoots. Both potted and bedding plants need to be pruned, and not just for visual reasons. This allows the plant to regenerate and will soon sprout again if further care meets the respective requirements. Depending on how much the rhododendron has already dried out, the new budding can take place promptly or take longer.
- Cutting promotes new shoots
- Use radical pruning to revive
- Completely cut off all dried out parts of the plant
- Carry out the cut close to the trunk
- If possible, leave the main shoots standing
- If necessary, cut back to the stick
- Make sure to use sharp and disinfected scissors
- Avoid unnecessary injuries
