I just got this plant and it is dropping leaves like craz...
1ft to light, direct
6” pot with drainage
Last watered 10 months ago
2
This florist azalea (Rhododendron, variety ‘Khaleesi’) is likely suffering from overwatering and poor drainage, which is especially dangerous in a pot without drainage holes.
Here’s what’s going wrong:
• Increased watering + no drainage = soggy roots, which can quickly lead to root rot.
• Leaf drop is a common early symptom of root stress or rot.
• Azaleas prefer moist but well-draining acidic soil, not constantly wet conditions.
What to do now:
1. Repot ASAP
• Move the plant to a pot with drainage holes.
• Use an acidic, well-draining potting mix (azalea/camellia mix or peat + perlite).
2. Inspect the Roots
• If they smell sour or appear mushy/black, trim away the rotted parts.
• Rinse the roots in diluted hydrogen peroxide solution if rot is found.
3. Watering Reset
• Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Allow excess water to drain freely.
4. Humidity & Light
• Bright indirect light is better than direct sun for florist azaleas.
• Maintain high humidity, but avoid wet soil.
If corrected quickly, the plant can recover.
Here’s what’s going wrong:
• Increased watering + no drainage = soggy roots, which can quickly lead to root rot.
• Leaf drop is a common early symptom of root stress or rot.
• Azaleas prefer moist but well-draining acidic soil, not constantly wet conditions.
What to do now:
1. Repot ASAP
• Move the plant to a pot with drainage holes.
• Use an acidic, well-draining potting mix (azalea/camellia mix or peat + perlite).
2. Inspect the Roots
• If they smell sour or appear mushy/black, trim away the rotted parts.
• Rinse the roots in diluted hydrogen peroxide solution if rot is found.
3. Watering Reset
• Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Allow excess water to drain freely.
4. Humidity & Light
• Bright indirect light is better than direct sun for florist azaleas.
• Maintain high humidity, but avoid wet soil.
If corrected quickly, the plant can recover.
@SvelteShangrila Excellent! Thank you
