Plant Care Big Leaf Rhododendron

Big Leaf Rhododendron

Also known as

Pacific Rhododendron, Pacific Rhododendron, Pacific rhododendron, California rosebay, California rhododendron, coast rhododendron and big leaf rhododendron

Taxonomy

Rhododendron macrophyllum
Rhododendron
Ericaceae
Ericales

How to care for Big Leaf Rhododendron

💦 Water

How often to water your Big Leaf Rhododendron

Water needs for Big Leaf Rhododendron
0.5 cups
every 9

Big Leaf Rhododendron needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Big Leaf Rhododendron

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Pacific Rhododendron in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Big Leaf Rhododendron: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Big Leaf Rhododendron love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Big Leaf Rhododendron does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Big Leaf Rhododendron in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Big Leaf Rhododendron

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Big Leaf Rhododendron: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Big Leaf Rhododendron after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #PacificRhododendron
💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Big Leaf Rhododendron prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Pacific Rhododendron Water Frequency →

Pacific Rhododendron Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Big Leaf Rhododendron requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Pacific Rhododendron Light Requirements →

Pacific Rhododendron Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Big Leaf Rhododendron is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Big Leaf Rhododendron is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Is Pacific Rhododendron Edible? →

Pacific Rhododendron Toxicity to Cats →

Pacific Rhododendron Toxicity to Dogs →

Pacific Rhododendron Toxicity to Humans →


💨 Humidity

Big Leaf Rhododendron doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.

Pacific Rhododendron Humidity Needs →


🪴 Soil

Big Leaf Rhododendron is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.

Best Soil Mix for Pacific Rhododendron →

Best Pots for Pacific Rhododendron →

When and How to Successfully Repot Pacific Rhododendron →

What Are Healthy Pacific Rhododendron Roots →


💩 Fertilizer

Big Leaf Rhododendron should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Pacific Rhododendron →


🌎 Native Region

Big Leaf Rhododendron is native to Asia and North America.


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Big Leaf Rhododendron will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.

Pacific Rhododendron Lifecycle →

Pacific Rhododendron Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Pacific Rhododendron →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors
🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Big Leaf Rhododendron, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Big Leaf Rhododendron

Big Leaf Rhododendron

Big Leaf Rhododendron


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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