Azalea plants, of the genus Rhododendron, are flowering shrubs that bloom in the spring. The flowers last for several weeks. These plants, grown as ornamentals, are shade tolerant and prefer to live near or under trees. Like most plants, they are also prone to problems and diseases that could lead to their death unless the cause of the problem is treated in time.
How to save a dying azalea bush
To save a dying azalea bush, first try to drench the plant’s soil with salt-free water. This will help clear out any build-up of salts and fertilizers that have accumulated around the plant’s roots. If you have potted azaleas, fill the pots to the top with water but make sure it drains freely. This should be done several times daily.
A fish emulsion can be applied to help revitalize dying azalea plants. Spread compost over the root system and use mulch to keep the soil moist. If the plants do not have mulch and are not watered on hot, dry days, the leaves will get burned and the plants may eventually die.
Other things you can do to save a dying azalea bush
Re-pot the plants
Revitalize the dying plants by repotting them in a high-quality potting mix. Choose wider pots and, if the plants are dehydrated, add some water-restoring crystals.
Trim the plants
Trim back the leaves, especially if there is damage to the roots. This means the roots won’t have to work so hard to sustain a large amount of foliage.
Move the plants
If the plants are not getting enough light, the leaves will be noticeably pale and small. Inversely, plants getting too much sun will have dark patches and dry, brittle leaves. Move the plants to a more suitable spot with better light conditions.
Water the plants
If the plants have droopy or dying leaves, they may be dehydrated. Water the plants until the soil feels damp, but see to it that water does not flood the soil to avoid root rot. Provide just enough water for the plant’s needs and water more sparingly during the winter months.
Feed the plants
Provide the appropriate fertilizers, taking care to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Reasons your azalea bushes are dying
You may be watering the plants incorrectly.
If you are overwatering your azaleas it could create soggy soil which makes the plants prone to root rot. Meanwhile, underwatering leads to dehydration and the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. To avoid watering issues, perform a finger test by inserting one finger into the soil to a depth of about four inches. If the soil is dry at that depth, water the plants with at least one gallon of water during the early morning.
After three days, test the soil again. If it is dry at a depth of four inches, you need to water the plants again.
Since azaleas prefer acidic soil, you should water them with rainwater. This is more acidic than tap water and will promote the conditions that the plants thrive in.
It could be due to a lack of nutrients in the soil.
Potted azaleas tend to suffer more nutrient deficiencies than those planted in the ground. With limited nutrients, the plants are unable to produce the usual number of blooms and also tend to have stunted growth. Apply azalea fertilizer in the spring; this contains an optimal balance of nutrients and contributes to the acidic soil conditions that the plants need to absorb nutrients. Also, re-pot the plants every few years to provide nutrient-rich soil.
It could be due to lack of, or too much, sunlight.
Azaleas thrive in partial shade, and exposure to full sun will burn their tender leaves. Being in full shade, on the other hand, may result in fewer blooms and less foliage with a spindly appearance. There should be an optimal balance between light and shade in your chosen location.
These plants love the dappled light under a tree canopy, as this mimics their natural habitat. Four hours of morning sun with shade in the afternoon provides the perfect balance and protects the plants from the midday sun. Indoor azaleas should be moved to a sunny window that allows direct sunlight for at least four hours daily.
It could be due to high indoor temperatures.
Azaleas cannot tolerate areas that are too hot, or where there are radiators or drafts from air conditioning units. If they are exposed to these conditions their leaves may curl up and their flowers will droop. Erratic temperature changes could also cause the plants stress and result in droopy or wilting foliage.
To prevent plant stress, position the plants away from sources of heat or air currents. Water them frequently so that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
You may be planting the azaleas too deep in the ground.
Azaleas become unhealthy when they are planted too deep in the ground. Their leaves will droop, become brown and eventually fall off. Ideally, plant them so that the original top of the root ball is slightly higher than ground level. If your plants look unhealthy, try planting them slightly higher in the ground.
It could be due to fungal infections or pests.
Fungal infections like root rot are contagious and could damage the plants. Root rot is characterized by droopy leaves that curl and turn brown, eventually falling off the stems. To control the disease, prune away affected branches and leaves and improve soil drainage. Treat the soil with a fungicide to prevent reinfection.
Twig blight is also a fungal infection, and causes leaves to turn reddish-brown and drop off. Scratch into the bark at two-inch intervals to check whether you can still see traces of green. Prune the dying branches at least two inches proximal to where the green part ends, to make sure that the infection is removed. Dispose of, but do not burn, the infected branches, since the smoke could help spread the infection to other plants.
Pests like mites attack azaleas and suck the juice out of the plant tissue. The plants will be weakened and might die, especially if there is a large infestation. Treat the plants with insecticide and prune off the infected leaves and branches to eradicate the pests.
Conclusion
If you act in time, there are ways you may be able to save a dying azalea bush and restore it to full health. Start by ensuring appropriate fertilization and the correct watering schedule. Prune your azaleas and provide mulch to keep the soil moist. Ideally, you should also re-pot the plants using a high-quality potting mix to revitalize them.
Image: istockphoto.com / wjarek