Azalea

Azalea is one of the most beautiful and, at the same time, most demanding bonsai:
its spectacular flowering is due to strict care rules.
Azalea is an acidophilic plant with a shallow, thin root system.
It is very sensitive to water, soil, lime, and overwatering.
It blooms on last year's shoots.

Location
Outdoors from April to October.
Winter — cold wintering.
Indoor placement is acceptable in spring (during flowering),
then it must be placed outdoors.
Azaleas will die if kept indoors year-round.

Lighting
Bright diffused light.
Morning sun, partial shade during the day.
Does not tolerate scorching sun.
Eastern exposure.

Temperature and wintering
Summer: +18...+25 °C, does not like heat above +28 °C
Winter: 0...+8 °C (mandatory).
Permissible down to –5 °C (for a short time).
Without wintering, it does not form buds.
Temperature and humidity control - sensor (see here)

Soil
Azaleas require an acidic, loose substrate.
Classic Japanese substrate
Kanuma — 100% (see here)
pH: 4.5–5.5
Akadama and lime water are harmful.

Watering
The soil should always be slightly moist.
Never allow it to dry out.
Use filtered rainwater.
If the soil dries out, the thin roots will die instantly.
Use a watering indicator to monitor moisture levels (see here).

Fertilization
Before flowering, during the growth period: balanced (see here).
In autumn: less nitrogen.
During shoot formation and bud set: potassium + phosphorus.
In winter: minimal.

Pruning and shaping
Immediately after flowering, remove faded flowers and weak shoots.
Pinch back young shoots regularly until mid-summer.
Wire is rarely used and only on woody branches.
Be very careful - the bark is fragile.

Transplanting
Once every 2–3 years immediately after flowering.
Minimal root pruning.
Do not destroy the root ball completely.
Only use kanuma or acidic substrate.

Diseases and problems
- Chlorosis (alkaline water).
- Root rot (overwatering).
- Spider mites (dry air).
- Aphids.
Prevention
- Acidic environment.
- Moisture control.
- Shading.
- Neem oil preparations (see here)