My Potted Azalea Is Losing Leaves

Season

• Azaleas come in many cultivars in either deciduous or evergreen growing habits. While evergreen azaleas maintain foliage year-round, deciduous varieties lose their leaves in fall for winter dormancy. This occurs on a natural calendar and does not indicate plant death.

Site

• Azaleas do best in light shade, dappled sun, or morning sun and afternoon shade. Full sun in hot summers burns foliage and may dry the plant out. Burnt and dried azaleas drop their leaves in protest. Move azaleas to shadier, cooler locations and water them deeply once a week for healing. Spray the azalea foliage every week to maintain moisture and humidity.

Pot Size

• Potted plants outgrow their pots over time and discontinue their growth and blooming. Azalea leaf drop may signify that the azalea needs more root space for continued growth. Choose a pot one to two sizes larger than its current pot and transplant the azalea in spring or fall, with fresh soil for new growth.

Soil and Nutrition

• The Clemson Cooperative Extension notes that azaleas need acidic, loose soil with high organic content, and suggests generous organic additions at planting. Azaleas in tight or poor potting soil fail and quickly lose their foliage. Mix new potting foundations from azalea potting soil and organic compost for nutrition and drainage. Give the plant the resources it needs for growing with azalea-specific fertilizer in mid to late spring. Don't get fertilizer granules on the foliage, as they burn and kill it.