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How to Propagate Azalea – Step by Step

Planting and obtaining new azalea plants is very simple. They can be propagated by sowing their seeds or propagating cuttings. Learn all about how to propagate azalea in this article.

The azalea is an ideal plant for covering large spaces, because, depending on its variety, it spreads widely to the sides.

In spring it will give us great satisfaction when covered with flowers, to such an extent that it seems to have no leaves. Depending on the species, the colors can be white, pink, lilac, red, or a combination of various shades. Azalea flowers can be single or double.

What Is the Best Time to Propagate Azalea Cuttings?

Summer is the best time to get an Azalea cutting to root, from July to early September.

Remember that the flowering season is Spring, and it will not be strange to see our Azaleas reach summer with some flowers, especially if their planting site is in sun and shade, or protected from the strong midday sun.

How to Propagate Azalea by Seeds

Seeds are sown in late fall, early winter, protected from frost. They are sown at shallow depths, maintaining constant heat and humidity. The ideal temperature is 68°F (20 °C).

Once the seedlings acquire 4 or 5 leaves, they can be repotted to their final place.

how to propagate azalea by seeds

How to Propagate Azalea by Cuttings

Propagate azalea by cuttings is the most traditional and simple method. This is done by cutting the cuttings at the beginning of summer, once the flowering stage is over.

  • Once cut, the cuttings are placed in a liquid rooting agent for 10 minutes and then placed in the substrate.
  • Another way to do this is to wet the cuttings with clean water and pass them through the rooting powder. Then they are placed directly into the substrate.

Cuttings should be kept in the shade, in warm and humid places. For this to happen, you can make a homemade mini-greenhouse. They are left in the substrate until they root and show their first leaves. After 90 days they will be ready to repot to their final pot.

You should use a rooting hormone like the one we use on our plants (Order it here). In this article about how to grow roses from cuttings, you can see how to use rooting hormone.

Hormex Rooting Powder #8 - for Moderately Difficult to Root Plants - 0.8 IBA Rooting Hormone for Plant Cuttings - Fast & Effective - Free of Alcohol, Dye, Gel & Preservatives for Healthier Roots, 21g
  • FASTEST ROOTING POWDER FOR PLANT CUTTINGS: Hormex rooting hormone powder is a unique product that encourages the natural process of rooting new plants from cuttings. Please check the list of plant varieties and rooting powder strength in the product photos.
  • SUITABLE FOR ALL GROW MEDIUMS: Accelerate strong and healthy roots with this root stimulator for plants that are excellent for all grow mediums like Rockwool, coco, peat moss, soil, clay pellets, and more. As an added bonus, it also helps prevent root rot and sagging cuttings.
  • NO BAD STUFF: Our root hormone for cuttings is an excellent powder to use even on the toughest and hard-to-root plants, like juniper, grapes, tomatoes, and more. It is made with no alcohol, dye, or preservatives, which is especially important when plants are for consumption.

Prepare a Mini-Greenhouse

Once the cuttings have been placed in the substrate, they should be at 68°F (20 °C).

To achieve this, use a transparent cover that filters the light while maintaining constant humidity and temperature.

Uncover this cover daily for 15 minutes to prevent mold from forming on the surface.

Once they have rooted, repot them into larger pots, placing a layer of mulch on the surface of the substrate.

When to Repot Azaleas?

Repot every year or two when it finishes blooming, in late summer, early fall. It should also be repotted when you notice its roots outside the pot or through the drainage holes.

when to repot azaleas

How to Repot Azaleas

When removing from the pot and planting azaleas in another container, it is very important not to damage their roots, as they are very sensitive. They should be repotted without opening the soil loaf, simply by adding substrate to the root ball.

How to Care for Azaleas

Now that you know how to propagate azalea, you should know how to care for it properly so that your azalea grows healthy and strong.

how to care for azaleas

Location, Light, and Temperature

In general, azaleas prefer cool environments, but not lacking in natural light. Thus, in the case of having them inside our houses, we must make sure to have them in a ventilated area and away from the heating. If, on the contrary, they are part of the garden, they should be placed in a safe area and out of reach of strong currents.

Sudden temperature changes are not beneficial either, so it is better to condition the area than to change the environment regularly. In this way, the good condition of the plant is ensured and we avoid a premature fall of flowers and leaves.

Humidity and Irrigation

In addition to all of the above, the environment must have a moderate humidity percentage. It is highly recommended that in summer the irrigation dose is increased and that this is done more frequently. In their flowering period, they only need to be watered every three days. It is advisable to water abundantly, but without the water remaining stagnant at the bottom or in the dish of the pot. The roots could easily rot if watering is abused.

Sometimes the water available can cause the deep green leaves to yellow, so it is advisable to start watering them with previously filtered water. Rainwater is the most beneficial for them.

It should be avoided that the water used during irrigation touches their leaves and flowers, so it is always watered from the root. In case of having them in pots, it is very useful to use a saucer with water and leave them submerged for a maximum of 15 minutes or, simply, remove the excess water after this approximate period.

house propagate azalea garden with azaleas
Garden with azaleas.

About Henry Morgan

Henry Morgan is an agronomist horticulture founder of The Garden Style Company and The Garden Style Website. He previously worked for Mondelēz International as an Agronomist Engineer specializing in agricultural products management in highly populated areas. In 2000, Henry started working with farmer-producers in agricultural businesses selling wholesale fresh produce and retail plants in Van Buren, Arkansas. Nowadays, Henry lives in California, where he offers expert consulting services for organic vegetable gardening. As a science writer working with his wife, Julia, Henry shares his passion for gardening and farming, trying to reach and teach as many folks as possible.

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