Raising Japanese azaleas as bonsai

In contrast to the indoor azalea (which is not winter hardy!), The Japanese azalea is unsuitable for indoor keeping - it is a purely outdoor bonsai. Whether in the garden, on the balcony or on the terrace: the Japanese thrive in the fresh air Azalea works best and can also - of course with the appropriate protection - be outdoors during the winter months stay.

Location and substrate

Azaleas prefer - like the closely related rhododendrons - a partially shaded location. However, this should not be completely dark, because then algae could settle on the plants due to the lack of light and the higher humidity. As a substrate, special ones are best suited Rhododendron soilas this has the necessary content humus and also has the correct pH value - between 4.5 and 5.5.

Since the Japanese azalea does not tolerate lime, you should only water it with rainwater or decalcify the tap water. Waterlogging also damages the crop, as does excessive drought. Keep the bonsai evenly, but only slightly damp.

Fertilize The plant with a special azalea or Rhododendron fertilizer.

Cutting and Wiring

Japanese azaleas are quite easy on pruning and sprout reliably even after a strong pruning. However, it makes sense to spread more extensive pruning measures over a period of several years, as the tree can cope better with this. A cut into the old wood usually doesn't do any harm, as the Japanese azalea sprouts out of sleeping eyes here too. Wiring to force twigs and branches in a certain direction is also not a problem.

Repot

Japanese azalea bonsai should be repotted about every two years, at best in spring or immediately after flowering. Be particularly careful when pruning the roots, as the roots are very fine and tear apart quickly.