Camellia Culture Method
Camellias, with their petals layered like peonies, have become the favorite ornamental potted plants for balcony gardeners. However, many hobbyists find that their plants either have yellow leaves or do not bloom. In fact, by fully understanding their growth habits and mastering key care techniques, even beginners can fill their branches with flower buds.
One, Four Key Elements for Blooming
Soil Preparation Techniques
Healthy roots directly affect the number of blooms. Using a mixture of decomposed leaf soil, pine needle soil, and perlite (3:2:1) can maintain an acidic environment (pH 5.5-6.5) and good breathability. Watering with diluted white vinegar (1:100) monthly can maintain soil acidity.
Light Control in Three Stages
In spring and autumn, provide full sun; in summer, filter strong light from 10:00 to 16:00 using a shading net; in winter, move it to a south-facing windowsill. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure, preventing crown bias that can affect the bloom position.
Watering Techniques Based on Plant Status
Use the combination of "soak pot + spray leaves" method: when the surface of the potting soil turns white, soak the pot in a water basin for 15 minutes; spray the back of the leaves with a misting spray bottle every morning to supplement water and prevent red spider mites.
Fertilizing Follows the Blooming Schedule
In March, apply bone meal (20g/pot) during the germination stage; in May, spray phosphorus potassium fertilizer (1:1000) weekly before the bud formation; after blooming, apply decomposed sheep manure. Remember to stop fertilizing when the temperature is above 32℃ or below 10℃.
Two, Doubling the Success Rate of Cutting Propagation
Select semi-woody branches, make a diagonal cut 0.5cm below the node, soak in willow branch water for 2 hours, then insert into vermiculite. Create a greenhouse effect by covering with a transparent plastic bag, ventilate for 1 hour daily, and roots should form in about 25 days.
Three, Disease and Pest Control Plan
Before the plum rain season, spray carbendazim to prevent leaf spot disease; immediately wash away aphids with dishwashing water (1 drop: 500ml). Regularly sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the soil surface to block the invasion of snails and other soft-bodied pests.
From soil selection and potting to post-blooming pruning, the care of camellias is a systematic project. Remember the four principles: 'acidic soil is the foundation, lighting should be flexible, watering based on plant status, and fertilizing at the right time', combined with regular pot rotation, leaf cleaning, and other detail management, even in a closed balcony, you can enjoy a stunning wall of camellias every spring.