Plant Care California Rhododendron

California 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 California Rhododendron

💦 Water

How often to water your California Rhododendron

Water needs for California Rhododendron
0.5 cups
every 9

California 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 California 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 California Rhododendron: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

California Rhododendron love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

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

California Rhododendron does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

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

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize California Rhododendron

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for California 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 California Rhododendron after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #PacificRhododendron
💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

California 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.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

California 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 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


💨 Humidity

California 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.


🪴 Soil

California 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.


💩 Fertilizer

California 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!


🌎 Native Region

California Rhododendron is native to Asia and North America.


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

California 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.


🧐 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 California Rhododendron

California Rhododendron

California 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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