Growth of Azalea, [Rhododendron obtusum (Lindl). Planch. cv. Coral Bell] and Wax Myrtle [Myrica cerifera L.] as Affected by Capillary Watering, Media Type and Depth1

Abstract

Abstract The avg wt increase of subirrigated dormant azalea tops after 75 days was 4.5g and of wax myrtle was 10.0g. The wax myrtle in a 30 cm deep perlite and peat medium produced the greatest fresh and dry wt which was twice as heavy as plants grown in a sand and bark medium. The peat, sand and soil and the peat and sand media produced the greatest new shoot number in azalea. The wax myrtle had greater shoot length in peat, sand and soil, and the per lite and peat media at 30cm depth, than in the peat and sand or the sand and coarse bark media. The azalea produced 5 shoots per plant which averaged 23cm in length, while wax myrtle produced 4 shoots with 41 cm in length. There was a decrease in soluble salt level and media pH but an increase in % media moisture with greater sampling depth from surface to bottom. Subirrigation may be beneficial for a wide variety of plants and cultural conditions since it provided a precise amount of water at all times.