Keep Azalea Gift Plants Blooming and Healthy Indoors

Azaleas are a sure sign of spring indoors and out. They’re popular gift plants for the holidays and a great way to bring a bit of spring color indoors.

Grow your azaleas in a cool bright location. A sunny window or artificial lights can increase their health and longevity.

Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Use a dilute solution of flowering houseplant fertilizer once the plant is finished blooming. Repeat anytime the plants are actively growing and look like they need a nutrient boost. Pale leaves, lack of vigor or poor flowering may mean it’s time to fertilize.

You can move the plants outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Gradually introduce them to the brighter light outdoors. Bring them back inside before the first fall or winter frost if your gift azalea is not hardy to your region. Isolate plants and monitor for insects before moving them in with your other indoor plants.

A bit more information: Flower buds of azalea, Christmas cacti, gardenia and other plants drop off when subjected to low humidity, blasts of hot or cold air and dry soils. Always wrap plants when transporting them in cold temperatures.