In warmer, more humid climates, early spring brings the riotous colors of large azalea bushes so beautiful people take garden tours to admire them. In northern New Mexico we are limited to "florist" azaleas which make gorgeous houseplants to cheer us up throughout the winter.  Their glossy, dark green leaves and sumptuous, colorful blooms—in white, pink, red, rose and bicolors—make them a perfect long-lasting gift.

Here's how to care for them:

• Place the plant in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light each day. Avoid full sun—they'll burn.

• Water the azalea every day without fail. Drought will cause leaf wilt, yellowing and bud drop.

• Mist plants daily (it's a great time to soak up their beauty). Prune out any weak, brittle, or dying branches. Treat plants with insecticidal soap at first sign of whiteflies, aphids, or spider mites.

• Do not fertilize the plant while it is blooming. When the bloom season ends, begin fertilizing once every 3 to 4 weeks, using a high nitrogen, acid-loving, water soluble plant food (like Miracid™) at 1/3 the strength recommended on the label.

• If the azalea becomes rootbound, repot it one or two sizes up from the present container, using a well-drained potting compost formulated for acid-loving plants.

With proper care, Payne's azaleas will come back into bloom next winter!