Marianne's Response

Indoor azalea plant

How do I care for my potted azalea indoors and can it be planted outside when the weather warms?

Posted by Anne Abramavicius on May 18, 2019

Marianne's Response

The most important tip for keeping potted azaleas happy is to keep the soil moist. Water until you see the water run from the drainage holes, wait, then water again about 10 minutes later. Check the soil every few days and water as soon as it begins to dry.  Azaleas are potted in peat moss and soil and it takes a lot of water to keep the peat moss moist. You can enjoy your potted azaleas out doors all summer but unless you live in an area known for growing great azaleas (like Western Washington and Oregon) you will need to bring your potted plant indoors before winter hits. Most of the gift azaleas are the type called Indian azaleas with large flowers. These do best in a greenhouse so may not survive outdoors even in a mild winter area. The Kurume azalea has smaller blooms and it is sometimes sold as a gift plant and this type may survive outdoors. All azaleas will not thrive in warm summer areas or in alkaline soil such as climates with little rainfall. They like high humidity making them a bit difficult in dry summer climates. Do not fertilize while it is blooming. If you transplant your azaleas outdoors or if you keep it in a container inside  feed in early spring with a plant food made for acid loving plants.   It might just bloom again next year. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti