Camellias are a popular choice for indoor potted plants due to their elegant blooms, but many gardening enthusiasts have noticed that the plants' leaves wilt after exposure to sunlight. This is related to the light requirements of camellias and also involves many details of daily maintenance. Mastering the correct light management method can help camellias maintain glossy leaves and full flower buds in sufficient sunlight.
Light Requirement Characteristics of Camellias
Light Intensity Tolerance Range
Camellias are semi-sun-loving plants, able to tolerate full sun in spring and autumn but requiring shading from the midday sun in summer. Experimental data shows that when light intensity exceeds 50,000 lux, the leaf stomata will initiate protective closure, and a 50%-60% shading net is optimal.
Day-Night Temperature Difference Regulation
A temperature difference environment of 13-18°C at night and 22-28°C during the day can effectively promote bud differentiation. When cultivating in a closed balcony, it is recommended to open the windows in the evening for ventilation, creating a reasonable temperature difference of 8-10°C.
Analysis of Wilted Phenomenon After Sun Exposure
High-Temperature Dehydration Type Wilt
Leaf surface temperature can reach over 40°C at noon in summer, with the transpiration rate being three times higher than at normal temperature. It is recommended to take shading measures between 10:00-15:00 and use a hygrometer to monitor environmental humidity, keeping it at 60%-75%.
Root Damage Type Wilt
Long-term exposure to direct sunlight can burn the superficial capillary roots, leading to a decrease in the plant's water absorption ability. This can be judged by observing the potting soil condition: if the plant does not recover after being watered thoroughly after sun exposure, check for brown necrotic roots.
Annual Light Management Plan
In spring and autumn, implement full-sun maintenance, and in winter, the plants can tolerate direct sunlight. From June to August, use double-layer shading nets, retaining 30% scattered light. For plants that have been sunburned, move them to a shaded area for 3-5 days first, and then spray 0.1% phosphorus acid potassium solution on the leaves to promote recovery.
By precisely controlling the duration and intensity of light, combined with temperature and humidity regulation, camellias can not only safely survive the summer but also display the best ornamental state during the flowering period. Regularly observing the plant's response and timely adjusting the maintenance strategy are the keys to maintaining healthy growth of camellias.