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Originally from Asia, you may know me by my scientific name Rhododendron indicum. I am a small shrub about 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches) tall and come in many varieties. I’m not a very demanding plant, but I still have some requirements that I’ll detail below.
I need bright, but filtered light, near a window facing east, west, or south, and a constant temperature (15-25°C or 60-80°F). I don’t like drafts, whether cold or hot, or direct sunlight that burns my leaves.
I love baths (too bad for the planet…) and I prefer my soil not to dry out completely. Wait until I’m dry about 2 to 3 centimeters deep (1 to 2 inches), then immerse only my pot in slightly warm and preferably non-calcareous water. When I stop making bubbles, take me out of the water and let me drain completely before putting me back on my pot holder. In summer, outside my flowering period, I like to be misted regularly but always with non-calcareous water !
I bloom abundantly from late winter throughout spring. Gently remove my faded flowers to encourage new ones ! Depending on my variety, my flowers range from white to red, including orange, pink, and purple, and are even sometimes two-toned ! My evergreen leaves are a beautiful dark and shiny green.
During my growing season, I enjoy a regular dose (about once a month) of a vitamin cocktail for acid-loving plants like me. However, I need nothing during winter or my flowering period !
I like slightly acidic, well-drained soil, but I don’t like being too cramped in my pot. Repot me into a slightly larger pot every 2 to 3 years, and absolutely don’t forget the drainage holes !
Once my flowers have faded, a little trim is necessary to maintain a compact growth and to encourage my future flowering. Like a certain orange soda, you can also shake me (gently though !), it strengthens my structure, gets rid of some pests, faded flowers, and leaves, and also stimulates my growth.
Since I love moisture and comfortable temperatures, mealybugs and spider mites are regular squatters on my branches and leaves. Inspect me regularly and treat promptly if you see them settling in. Oh, and if you water me too much or if my drainage is insufficient, my roots may start rooting !
Like any self-respecting diva, I am slightly toxic to humans and animals ! So, keep me away from their reach !
You are now equipped to take good care of me ! With these tips, I’m sure you’ll know how to pamper me properly, providing the perfect environment for me to flourish and offer you a spectacular bloom ! And one last thing, if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments.