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Greenhouse azaleas are the bright, colorful joys of spring. They stand out in a grocery store or garden center when everything else is gray from winter. Because they are so pretty, many gardeners and people who aren’t gardeners have asked, “Can you grow azaleas indoors?” The answer is, “Of course you can!”
Azaleas are stunning shrubs that produce an abundance of colorful blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. Typically grown outdoors, azaleas can also be grown as houseplants to brighten up indoor spaces. With their shiny green leaves and cheery flowers, azaleas make excellent container plants for adding a pop of color inside your home.
In this beginner’s guide you’ll learn everything you need to know about selecting planting, and caring for azaleas as indoor houseplants. Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Azalea Variety
When choosing an azalea for indoor growing, look for a greenhouse azalea rather than a hardy outdoor variety Greenhouse azaleas are specifically bred for growing indoors as houseplants Popular greenhouse azalea varieties include
- Belgica – Bright red ruffled blooms with glossy green leaves
- Coral Bells – Frilly flowers in a mix of coral pink and white
- Klondyke – Vibrant orange flowers with dark green foliage
- Mrs. H.C. Rike – Large pink blooms with white streaks
- Red Ruffle – Deep crimson double blooms
Select a plant with healthy foliage and several unopened flower buds, which will continue opening over time indoors. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves or signs of pests. The blooms of greenhouse azaleas tend to last longer than florist azaleas.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Azaleas do best in bright, indirect light inside your home. Place them near an east or west facing window. Avoid direct hot sunlight which can burn the leaves. Azaleas prefer daytime temperatures between 60-70°F and nighttime temps around 55°F. Keep them away from heating and AC vents which can dry them out.
These shrubs require consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for acid-loving plants. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. To increase humidity around your plant, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Mist the leaves occasionally with soft water.
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Discontinue fertilizing in fall to encourage bud development.
Achieving Rebloom
With proper care, you can get your azalea houseplant to rebloom indoors year after year. Here are some tips:
- Provide bright, indirect light year-round
- Maintain ideal temperatures between 60-70°F
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Mist leaves to increase humidity around the plant
- Apply dilute fertilizer monthly while actively growing
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant
Getting azaleas to rebloom requires exposing them to cool temperatures of around 40-55°F for 6-8 weeks in late fall/early winter. This cold period mimics winter dormancy and initiates flower bud development. Move the plant to an unheated porch or garage during this time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some potential problems and solutions for azalea houseplants:
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Leaf drop: This can be caused by dry soil, low humidity, or exposure to ethylene gas. Improve watering, increase humidity, and remove any plastic sleeves around pots.
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Failure to bloom: Insufficient light, improper temperatures, and lack of a cool dormancy period can prevent flowering.
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Wilting: Overwatering can cause root rot leading to wilting. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
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Leaf spots: Leaf spots can be a sign of fungal disease. Prune affected leaves, water from below, and use a fungicide.
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Pests: Watch for whiteflies, mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids which can infest azaleas. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control.
Enjoying Azaleas as Houseplants
With their colorful blooms and attractive foliage, azaleas make a cheery addition to any indoor space. Place them in a well-lit area and be diligent about watering. Move the plant outdoors in summer and provide a cool period over winter for reblooming success. Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous azalea houseplant.
Tips for Growing an Azalea Houseplant
You can grow azalea indoors like any other houseplant. But like other flowering plants, there are some things you need to know about taking care of indoor azalea to make sure they bloom every year.
The first step in growing an azalea houseplant is to choose the right shrub. You are looking for greenhouse azaleas, not hardy azaleas, which are only grown outdoors.
Both are Rhododendrons, but they belong to different types. One of them can only survive in USDA plant hardiness zone 10. Thats the one you want. There are times when greenhouse azaleas are labeled as such, but most of the time they are sold indoors and have that pretty foil around their pots.
Look for a plant with only a few buds open and showing color. That way, youll be able to enjoy that first full bloom for a longer period of time. The flower buds should look good and be in different stages of growth to show that they are growing.
An azalea houseplant with yellowed leaves isnt healthy. Look under the leaves as well. Thats where those pesky whiteflies and mealybugs dwell. They love azaleas. As houseplants, many growers ship azaleas in clear plastic sleeves. These sleeves are meant to keep the plant safe while it’s being shipped, but they also catch the ethylene gas that the plant gives off, which can make the leaves fall off.
If you can’t find a store that will take them off, do it yourself as soon as you get your azalea from the greenhouse.
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HOW TO GROW AZALEAS INDOOR / AZALEA CARE
FAQ
How do you keep azaleas alive indoors?
How often should I water indoor azaleas?
How to care for potted azaleas?
How long do indoor azalea flowers last?
How do you care for indoor azaleas?
Keep them well lit, but out of direct sun. Moisture should be your greatest concern in the care of indoor azaleas. Never allow your plant to dry out. While watering from the top may provide sufficient care, indoor azaleas enjoy the occasional dunk, pot and all, in a larger container of water. When the bubbles stop, pull it out, and let it drain.
Do azaleas need seasonal care?
Providing proper seasonal care for your indoor azaleas is essential to support their growth, health, and blooming potential throughout the year. In this section, we’ll guide you through the specific care requirements for each season, ensuring that your azaleas receive the attention they need to flourish.
How do you grow azaleas indoors?
Ericaceous (acidic) compost (azaleas require a soil pH of 4-6) is available from garden centers and online. Fertilize in the Spring with slow-release granular fertilizer. The most common indoor varieties do not require annual pruning and tend to maintain a compact shape. Bright Indirect Sun is best. Too much sun will burn the tender leaves.
How do you care for a potted encore Azalea?
When caring for indoor potted Encore Azaleas, it’s crucial to choose the right spot. Place your container in a bright room near a window. Ensure the spot doesn’t get too cold on frosty nights. Encore Azaleas thrive with morning direct sun and afternoon partial shade or bright indirect light all day.