Cultivation and Care Methods for Camellia
Main Content Introduction: Knowledge about camellia cultivation in family gardening, methods for cultivating and caring for camellias. The following article will provide you with detailed answers by the editor.
Many gardening enthusiasts have potted camellias at home, but how to take good care of them is often a challenge due to lack of experience. We will introduce the main points of cultivation one by one:
1. Soil is the foundation for the growth of potted camellias, as the root system of camellias relies on soil for growth and development. The water and nutrients needed for the life activities of camellias are mainly absorbed from the soil. Camellias prefer slightly acidic, humus-rich, and well-drained mountainous red (or yellow) loamy soil with a pH value between 5 and 6.5. Alkaline or heavy clay soils should not be used as the growing medium for potted camellias. Soil preparation: 50% mountain soil (mature red loamy soil for crop cultivation), 40% sawdust or edible fungi residue, 10% cake fertilizer powder or livestock manure mixed with phosphate fertilizer powder, mix the three ingredients, add water appropriately, pack in bags to mature, 20 days or more in summer and autumn, 30 days or more in spring and winter. This type of soil is not only loose and well-ventilated but also retains fertilizer and water, making it suitable for the growth and development of camellias.
2. Camellias require adequate light but are sensitive to high temperatures and direct sunlight. In spring and late autumn, move the camellias to a sunny balcony or ground to receive full-day sunlight, promoting plant growth and bud differentiation, and ensuring strong flower buds. In the intense summer sun, move the pots to a well-lit but shaded and well-ventilated environment, or to the north balcony or the lower part of the south balcony, or use 75% shade netting from 9 am to 5 pm to cover the plants, preventing direct sunlight and avoiding leaf damage or wilt in young plants. If possible, move the camellias to a sunshade for safe summering.
3. Temperature is one of the important conditions for the growth of camellias. Camellias prefer warmth, with the optimal growth temperature being between 18°C and 25°C, and relative humidity between 60% and 65%. The growth of camellias usually starts in late March to April with the sprouting of spring shoots, forming terminal buds in mid-to-late May, and then stopping growth and gradually differentiating into leaf or flower buds. It takes 180 to 240 days from the formation of flower buds to blooming. Summer shoots start to sprout in late July and stop growing by mid-September. Although camellias can tolerate low temperatures, sudden drops to below 0°C or dry northwest winds can cause frost damage to young branches and lead to the withering of flower buds. Therefore, move the pots to a location protected from the north wind to ensure safe overwintering.
4. Camellias have many leaves with a large surface area and rapid transpiration. They prefer a humid climate and moist soil. Therefore, it is necessary to water potted camellias sufficiently, watering once a day during the spring and autumn growing seasons, twice a day during the summer, especially during the "dog days," and if the ground is dry, water or spray the potting soil and surroundings once or twice to maintain a certain level of air humidity, which promotes vigorous plant growth. At the same time, be aware that excessive watering, especially with tap water, can lead to soil alkalization over time. Therefore, when watering, supplement with 0.5% to 1% ferrous sulfate solution monthly, or use a 5% to 8% solution of edible vinegar for foliar application. Camellias prefer moist soil but are averse to waterlogging in the pot. If water accumulates in the pot during rainy days, it must be drained promptly to prevent root rot and decay.
5. Camellias are fond of fertilizer due to their robust tree structure, numerous leaves, and long blooming period, requiring a large amount of fertilizer. During the fertilization process, sufficient liquid fertilizer should be applied, combined with a pot change to apply a sufficient amount of long-acting fertilizer. Depending on the size of the pot, apply 3 to 80 grams of decomposed cake fertilizer powder or dried chicken and duck manure mixed with the bottom soil. Organic fertilizers should be increased according to the growth period of the plant. Apart from the coldest and hottest times of winter and summer, apply decomposed cake water once or twice a month. The method of application: Loosen the soil around the pot by about 2 inches, apply the liquid fertilizer in the trench, and cover it with soil to avoid odors. You can also apply decomposed cake fertilizer powder around the pot and mix it with the soil, allowing the plant to absorb it slowly. Urban gardeners can purchase special flower fertilizers from the flower market, which are both hygienic and safe. To promote better growth of camellias, apply foliar fertilization once or twice a month during the vigorous growth period with 0.2% to 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 1% to 2% plant growth regulators sprayed on the leaves. The principle of fertilization: Light rather than heavy, dilute rather than concentrated, less rather than more, and adhere to the method of applying thin and frequent fertilization, especially avoiding raw fertilizers.
6. Camellias thrive in environments with moderate air movement, loving the gentle breeze, the moisture brought by the southeast wind, but fearing the northwest wind and strong winds, which can cause excessive evaporation of water, leading to an imbalance in the water supply and demand of camellias, resulting in leaf and flower drop. In winter, camellias should be placed in a wind-protected and sunny environment with a certain temperature and humidity. In spring and autumn, move the pots to the balcony to ensure ventilation and light, and expose them to gentle breezes. This not only promotes healthy plant growth and有利于花芽分化,花蕾 growth and development but also reduces the occurrence of diseases and pests. Years of practice have shown that moderate ventilation and suitable lighting can prevent diseases and pests.
Have you understood the detailed introduction to the cultivation and care methods for camellias shared above?