Camellias are shade-loving, flowering shrubs and small trees. This evergreen, hardy plant has stunning flowers that come in a variety of colors such as pink, white and red. During the milder seasons of late fall, winter or early spring, camellia flowers brighten the garden. These plants can also survive in pots if they are given some care. Camellias planted in pots generally do not reach the same height or width as their ground-growing relatives. However, they are very flowery. Find out here what the right camellia care is!
Caring for camellia in a pot
Camellias can grow successfully in pots if you follow a few rules. This includes planting plenty of plantsprovided with water and foodand repot them every two to three years. Place the eye-catching potted plants on your patio or balcony, or place potted camellias on either side of walkways.
Plant the hardy flower
If the weather is mild, plant camellias in late fall or early spring. The plant should be planted in a container that is no more than one pot size larger than the current pot. Avoid planting the plant in a pot that is too large, as this can cause root rot. Some camellia varieties are susceptible to this fatal disease.
Choose the best pot
Camellias grow best in pots made of sturdy plastic or glazed ceramic, as these materials tend to retain moisture. To preserve moisture, seal any wooden containers you plan to plant in before doing so. Whatever container you choose, make sure it has drainage holes.
Camellia care: get the right soil
These potted plants need acidic soil, ideally with a pH of 4.5 to 6.5. There is special compost for plants that like acidic soil, such as azaleas and camellias. Of course, you can also make your own compost by mixing equal parts of coarse sand with coarse peat moss or some pine bark. Since these plants don't like wet feet, you should make sure that the container or pot you choose has plenty of good drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. In moist soil, camellias can develop root rot and eventually die.
Find a good location
The container should be in a somewhat shady place protected from the afternoon sun. Ideally, it should be placed so that it receives morning sun and afternoon sun. The other option suggested is permanent partial shade. However, too much shade can lead to poor flowering.
Water camellias in the pot
A consistent water supply is necessary for camellias. However, that doesn't mean you should keep the soil moist all the time. Before watering a larger pot, you should check whether the moisture is deeper. When you water, wet the planter thoroughly until water drips from the drainage holes.
Camellia Care: Fertilize
If you want your potted plants to grow healthy, fresh and bloom profusely, you definitely need to fertilize them. When fertilizing with an azalea and camellia fertilizer, follow the instructions on the container. If the plant is actively growing from April to September, it should be fertilized once a month. Never fertilize the crop in the heat of the day and always water it first.
Pruning the camellia
Although these plants do not typically require pruning, you may consider doing so to shape camellias in pots. If the cut is done at the right time, the plants tolerate it quite well. For best results, shape and prune the plant after flowering in late winter before new growth begins in spring. Young buds should not be removed because they will bloom next year. Look for dead, bare branches, drooping twigs, and twigs or leaves that show symptoms of late blight or other fungal diseases.
Camellia care – common pests and diseases
Camellias are often affected by fungal diseases and often have yellow and brown spots. Cut back the affected areas if you notice symptoms of diseaseto prevent spread.
Treating pests with neem oil is very useful if youProblems with mites, thrips or aphidshave.
Camellia care: is it possible to grow it in the apartment as a houseplant?
Growing potted plants indoors is difficult, but not impossible. These plants need a certain amount of cold so that they can develop buds and flowers, as well as sufficient light. But most houses are too warmfor these houseplants. If you decide to grow the camellia indoors, place the plant in the coolest part of the house. Locations such as greenhouses and sunny porches work well. Camellias grown indoors need 8 to 10 hours of light per day.
