How to cultivate four-season camellias
Main content introduction: Knowledge about the cultivation and management of four-season camellias and related plant care, specifically introduced as follows:
Four-season rhododendron camellias are a variety of camellias that can bloom throughout the year, but they require a temperature of over 15 degrees for proper care, as they are a type of flower native to the south. Therefore, lower temperatures are not suitable. If you are growing them in the north, never let them overwinter outdoors. They must be kept in an appropriate indoor temperature to grow and bloom normally. The leaves of rhododendron camellias are similar in shape to those of rhododendrons, and they have a very strong blooming ability. Now commonly found in the market and also in homes, how should we care for the rhododendron camellias we purchase to ensure they bloom throughout the year without any issues?
Four-season rhododendron camellias prefer plenty of light. Compared to other camellias, they have stricter requirements for sunlight. During care, they can be exposed to half-day sunlight but should be protected from midday direct sun. Morning sunlight before 11 a.m. and afternoon sunlight after 1 or 2 p.m. are sufficient to prevent leaf burn, maintain deep leaf color, and avoid non-blooming due to excessive growth.
Fertilization is also crucial for them, as they bloom continuously throughout the year. When new lateral buds grow to a certain height, they gradually age, and flower buds appear at the top, which is a characteristic of their blooming and the reason for their year-round flowering. Therefore, when choosing fertilizer, do not use pure phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, as this will only allow them to bloom one or two times. In later stages, without nutrient supply, the branches won't grow, and flower buds won't form. It is best to choose fertilizers with high phosphorus and potassium content as well as other elements. By supplementing 2 to 3 times a month during the growing season, it will not affect the growth of lateral buds and ensure continuous blooming.
Watering frequency is also important. In indoor environments with poor ventilation, water should be given when the potting mix is half-dry or almost completely dry. Avoid frequent watering, as this can cause root rot. The premise for proper care is well-draining and breathable soil, which is essential for any plant. I usually use a mix of nutrient-rich soil and river sand in a 1:1 ratio for growing them, which is breathable, water-permeable, and contains nutrients. Occasionally, a little pine needle soil is added to increase soil acidity, as they prefer acidic soil. If you don't add pine needles to the soil, you should regularly water with a solution of ferrous sulfate once a month to prevent the soil from becoming alkaline and causing yellowing of the leaves.
Rhododendron camellias are very easy to care for, capable of blooming and growing throughout the year, as long as the temperature is maintained between 15 to 25 degrees. However, proper ventilation, adequate sunlight, and well-draining soil are essential. Choose fertilizers with high phosphorus and potassium content. After flowering, remove the spent flowers promptly, prune overgrown branches appropriately, and it will quickly grow lateral buds. Once these lateral buds age, flower buds will appear at the top, ensuring year-round blooming and continuous growth without any issues.
The above information is a detailed explanation of how to cultivate four-season camellias and their cultivation and management. I hope it is helpful to you!