Azalea with yellowing leaves.....???

Bonsai Basics

Hi everyone,

A quick question that I hope someone can assist with, My Azalea has flowered and the flowers have now gone, and I have removed them (about 2 weeks ago) but I have noticed that more and more leaves are turning yellow. It is kept moist and this has only started to happen since the flowers have gone. Any advice would be gratefully received.

I hope everyone is enjoying the sunny weather (well it is here in the south west!)

Regards,

jimothy · Last edited by jimothy on Sat Jul 09, 2005 12:40 pm; edited 1 time in total

Test your soil with a pH kit - it sounds like the plant is suffering from Chlorosis, a deficiency of Iron and magnesium which certain plants are unable to extract from the soil if it's too alkaline (ideally for azaleas, a pH of 5.5-6 is about right, anything above that and they start to suffer). If this IS the problem, then you'll find several tonics in garden centres to acidify the soil until next repotting time, when you should change it for an ericaceous mix. Use something containing sequestered Iron and magnesiumn compounds, which should sort out the problem.

Bonsai Basics

I will try that today! It is already in a lime free soil mix although it is over 12months old so probably due a re-pot when the time comes

Many thanks for your quick response it is appreciated.

bonsai

Azalia do look a little worse for wear once they have flowered. Just keep it watered and I'm sure it will pull through.

Tuppence2

Hello.

I noticed the very same thing with one of my azaleas. All its flower have gone now. I've fed it with an ericacious food and am waiting for Kanuma to arrive to repot it.

Hope yours does well, BB.

Penny. Smile

Dick

The leaves under the flower bud are not exactly the same as regular azalea leaves. They fave a broad base to hold the flower more securly upright. They often die off after slowering and new leaves will form at the base of the old flower bud that are different and more normal looking and functioning. This are the ones from which the new flower buds for the following year will form.

Bonsai Basics

Thanks everyone for your responses. Feel a bit more comfortable now!!!