Azaleas are popular small shrubs used in landscaping for their abundant and colorful spring flowers. If you love this pretty shrub, you might want to consider growing azalea as a houseplant. It can be done, but your indoors azalea will require some special care and consideration.
Can You Grow Azaleas Indoors?
Yes, you can definitely grow azaleas indoors. In fact, in late winter and early spring, you’ll probably start seeing potted azaleas in retail stores. These so-called florists’ azaleas are grown and potted specifically for use as houseplants. Most of these azaleas are not reliably cold hardy, so it is best to keep them inside year-round or to move them outside in summer only.
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How To Care For Azaleas Indoors
Taking care of azaleas indoors isn’t the same as tending to your outdoor shrubs. Here’s what you need to know to keep your potted azalea healthy.
Light
Outside, azaleas grow best in dappled sunlight and can even grow in deep shade. Your indoor florists’ azalea will appreciate a spot near a bright window with a sheer curtain to create bright, indirect light. You can also place it under other plants receiving bright, direct light so that they get dappled shade.
Water
Watering is one of the trickiest aspects of growing azaleas indoors. It’s important to strike a balance between keeping the soil moist but not letting it get soggy, which can lead to root rot. In general, it’s a good idea to thoroughly water your azalea every few days. Be sure the pot has good drainage. If the azalea came in a pot wrapped in decorative foil, remove this so it can drain.
Temperature & Humidity
Indoor azaleas grow best and flower longest in cool temperatures, around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18 Celsius). Cooler temperatures are especially important at night. Ideal humidity for a potted azalea is 40% to 60%.
Soil
If you buy a potted azalea, it should come with a decent potting mix, often a soilless potting mix high in organic content. To make your own mix, use one part soil to three parts acidic peat moss. Azaleas grow best in acidic soil.
Fertilizer
Use a fertilizer designed for azaleas or acid-loving houseplants plants in general. Follow the guidelines on the product to learn how and when to fertilize azaleas.
Problems, Pests & Diseases
Root rot can be a real problem for an overwatered azalea or a pot without good drainage. Try to keep the soil moist without letting it get soggy. If you see yellowing leaves, it could mean the soil has dried out. It should never dry completely. Yellowing could also mean the soil is too alkaline. Add a supplement to raise the soil acid level Potential pests of azaleas include aphids, mealybugs, scale, lace bugs, and leaf miners.
Pruning
Regular pruning is important for keeping your potted azalea compact and attractive. Trim back longer stems to encourage bushier, denser growth. Prune your azalea after it has flowered, but don’t wait too long or you might trim off next year’s buds. July or early August are usually good times to prune azaleas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Azaleas Poisonous?
Azaleas are poisonous when eaten, so take care if growing a potted azalea in a house with children or pets.
How Long Do Indoor Azalea Flowers Last?
The flowers on your indoor azalea can last several weeks with good care. Cool temperatures are especially important. Don’t let your azalea get too hot.
Can Indoor Azaleas Rebloom?
It is possible to keep your potted florists’ azalea year after year, but getting it to rebloom can be tricky. Reblooming requires a reset period. After it is done blooming, place your azalea in a room with bright, filtered light and a temperature around 40 or 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 10 Celsius). During this time, stop fertilizing and water the azalea only enough to keep it from wilting. It needs at least two months in these conditions. Bring it back to a warmer spot in January.
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