The more you grow camellias, the more proficient you become; solid fundamentals are the key

Camellia, with diverse colors, numerous varieties, gorgeous blooms and large flowers, is a very attractive flowering potted plant. To grow camellias well, keep them blooming continuously and make the flowers bigger and bigger, these fundamentals are very important.

1. Pot

When cultivating camellias, the ratio of pot size to seedling size must be appropriate. For the potting soil, it is best to add 1/3-1/2 pine needle leaf mold to garden soil. The best time for potting is December in winter or February-March in early spring. Stop potting during the bud-breaking period, and never pot up during the high-temperature season.

2. Water

When potting a camellia, water it thoroughly, until water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Normally, water in moderation, and make the amount of watering change with the seasons. During the summer leaf and stem growth period and the flowering period, water more; after the new shoots stop growing, control watering appropriately to promote flower bud differentiation. During the plum rain season, prevent waterlogging, and reduce watering after autumn begins. The water temperature should be close to the soil temperature when watering.

3. Light

Camellias prefer half sun and dislike being scorched. Young trees tolerate shade, while large trees need a certain amount of light, receiving more than 3-4 hours of sunlight per day to bloom well, but strong direct sunlight in summer will cause severe leaf scorch and withered twigs. It is recommended to place them in a spot with scattered light, not in a spot with direct light, and to shade them in summer. In winter, it is best to place them in a spot with full light on the south side and wind protection on the northwest side.

4. Soil

Camellias prefer fertile, loose, slightly acidic loam or humus soil, and can grow at a pH range of 4.5-6.5, with 5.5-6.5 being best. Alkaline soil and heavy, waterlogged sites are not suitable for camellia growth. As for soil moisture, they like moisture but dislike wetness, and the soil should drain well. During the plum rain and typhoon seasons, pay attention to drainage to avoid root rot and death.

5. Temperature

The low-temperature tolerance of camellias varies somewhat among varieties. Single-petaled varieties are more cold-hardy than ordinary varieties and can withstand low temperatures of -10°C, while precious varieties have lower tolerance to low temperatures. Camellias dislike high temperatures and severe summer heat; growth stops when the temperature is above 30°C, and sunscald occurs above 35°C. The suitable temperature for growth is between 18-25°C, and the suitable temperature for flowering is between 10-20°C.