Rhododendron (Azalea Varieties)

Good morning peeps! I need some help with potting my first ever #azalea .. I'm told that azaleas dislike manure.. what suitable substitute would you recommend? #help #azalea-advice #rhododendron

They like ericaceous compost... which is slightly acidic 👍🏼

Morning Pushkraj. What a gorgeous colour. 💖💖

Thanks @justin !!

Hi Pushkraj, cow manure makes soil basic by increasing soil pH. Maybe that's the reason why it should not be used for azalea.

Thanks @drumadixit :)

I have some ericaceous plants (blueberry, azalea, camellia, gardenia etc) but "ericaceous compost" as such is not sold in India. Besides, we don't have access to pine needles. Would it be okay if I added coffee grounds and used tea bags to manure and coco peat? @brightcolours @justin @jamesshobbs

Sorry I can't really advise on that. Perhaps @PlantDoctor @mikethegardener @ellenmarygardening may be able to say of this would work or not

Do you know what your pH is? www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=82

Good morning @gjones 😊 peat moss is sold online in India but is frightfully expensive. However, I'm thinking I should invest in some after all... I potted the azalea earlier this morning and used coco peat along with soil, kitchen waste compost (made from well-rotted leafy veg remains + egg shells + tea).. I will be working in some ground coffee beans later this week. I hadn't considered sulphur, good idea :) thanks!!

Good morning Katie :) the soil is neutral, I believe, a bit on the basic side of the spectrum. @brightcolours .. that is why I need something acidic ..

Crushed oyster shells?