Optimal Growing Conditions
Azalea are undergrowth plants. They need two essential conditions: semi-shade and constant humidity. This is why it is essential protect them from too strong sunny midday conditions (mainly in summer, netting is a must where shade cannot be provided) and be vigilant about their soil condition.
Watering Satsuki Bonsai
Although Azalea embrace humidity, allow the surface to dry up between watering cycles. Constant soaking conditions are to be avoided.
Preferably water the soil, avoiding the foliage. At blooming time, watering the flowers shortens their lifespan dramatically. If possible, keep azalea blossoms sheltered from rain.
When your Azalea bonsai appears dry, water abundantly, until the water comes out of the drainage holes. In the winter months watering is reduced. It may be sufficient to water weekly.
Since Satsuki azalea's have a hairy root system. Over time, especially at the root core right under the trunk, this root system tends to make water absorbtion difficult.
It is recommended to make a hole with a bamboo stick (and remember the location of that hole) to keep that core well watered. Another watering practise is to slightly tilt the bonsai pot, to make sure the water runs along the whole bottom of the pot.
Post Flowering Pruning & Fertilizing (Higari)
Higari is the essential maintenance part of your Azalea.
- Remove the flowers and the seedheads when your shrub is becoming unsightly (generally when half or more of the flowers are done blossoming). Do not neglect to remove all the ovaries, for they take away a lot of energy from your plant.
- Prune to only keep two horizontal shoots and remove excess shoots.
- On each shoot, remove any old leaves and then leave two freshly grown leaves. Another two new leaves will sprout from there.
- Fertilize as you would any other deciduous bonsai until July. Suspend fertilizing in August. After that, start with autumn fertilization.
When and How to Wire Azalea Bonsai
Use a thicker wire as basis. 2mm wire is the standard. Azaleas need it as support to the bending. Use 1.5 mm for smaller branches. Wire loosely, looser than you would with other deciduous trees, since Azalea branches thicken up quite fast.
Wiring Satsuki Azalea in early summer is delicate as the branches are really soft and will tear off easily. You would want to be quite experienced to wire at this time of the year. The optimal time for wiring isSeptember/October in Europe, however, the bark is likely to damage.
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