Azalea Bonsai
Rhododendron spp.
📖 About this plant
One of the most spectacular flowering bonsai species, azaleas produce masses of brilliant pink, red, or white flowers in spring. Their fine twiggy branches and small leaves make them ideal for bonsai training. Requires acidic soil and careful winter protection. A centerpiece of Japanese bonsai culture for centuries.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Partial shade to bright indirect (4-6 hrs)
Every 1-2 days
High (60-80%)
10-25°C
Kanuma soil (acidic, volcanic) or ericaceous potting mix; pH 4.5-5.5
Half-strength azalea/rhododendron fertilizer every 2 weeks during growing season; acidifying fertilizer monthly
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Japan, China, Korea, Southeast Asia
- 📏 Max height
- 15-30 cm (bonsai form)
- 📐 Spread
- 15-30 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Spring
- 🎨 Bloom color
- Pink, Red, White
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Dark Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Slow
- ☠️ Toxicity
- HIGHLY TOXIC — all parts contain andromedotoxin (grayanotoxin), especially leaves, flowers, and nectar. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, and can be fatal. Keep away from children and pets
- 🌱 Propagation
- Cuttings from semi-hardwood in late summer; layering in spring; air layering for thicker trunks
🛡️ Health & Safety
HIGHLY TOXIC — all parts contain andromedotoxin (grayanotoxin), especially leaves, flowers, and nectar. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, and can be fatal. Keep away from children and pets
Common issues
- Chlorosis from alkaline soil or iron deficiency, Lace bug damage on leaves, Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage, Petal blight in humid conditions
💡 Care tips
- Produces spectacular masses of tiny flowers in spring,Requires acidic soil with pH 4.5-5.5 for healthy growth,Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged,Prune immediately after flowering to shape for next year
