Rhododendron aka Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron

Taxonomy

Rhododendron is a very large genus of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), with about 1,024 species. They can be either evergreen or deciduous and are native to eastern Asia and the Himalayan region, with some species found in other parts of Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal, the state flower of Washington and West Virginia in the United States, the state flower of Nagaland in India, the provincial flower of Jiangxi in China, and the state tree of Sikkim and Uttarakhand in India. Most species have brightly colored flowers that bloom from late winter to early summer. Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron genus and are distinguished by having only five anthers per flower. These plants range in size from compact shrubs to large trees, with leaves that can be either evergreen or deciduous. The leaves are arranged spirally and can vary in size. Some species have scales or hairs on the underside of the leaves. Rhododendron is known for its clusters of large flowers, but there are also alpine species with small flowers and leaves, as well as tropical species that grow as epiphytes. In North America, Rhododendron species can be found in oak-heath forests. They are characterized by scarious perulae, a chromosome number of x=13, a septicidal capsule fruit, a superior ovary, stamens without appendages, and agglutinate pollen. Overall, Rhododendron is a diverse and widespread genus of plants with a wide range of species and characteristics.

Common names

Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron, Azalea, Rhododendron, Autumn Carnation Azalea, Encore Autumn Embers Azalea

How to care for Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Autumn Bonfire Rhododendron’s native range is Asia and North America.


More info:
Wikipedia