How to Cultivate Camellia Trees
This article introduces you to the cultivation methods of camellia trees, as well as the planting and maintenance tips for growing camellias, with specific details as follows:
Camellias, also known as wild camellias or wild camellia flowers, belong to the genus Camellia in the Theaceae family. There are many varieties of camellias, with about 2,000 species, divided into three major categories and 12 flower types. There are already 308 varieties in China.
If you want to cultivate camellias well, you should first understand their growth habits.
Camellias are susceptible to wind but enjoy sunlight, and the best planting environment is a high and airy location. They prefer warm and humid environments, with loose, fertile sandy loam, loess, or decomposed soil, and well-drained acidic soil. The pH value should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Only acidic soil allows for vigorous growth. If planted in alkaline soil, they may grow poorly or even die.
Key Points for Camellia Cultivation
(1) Soil: Loose and fertile, with good drainage. It must be acidic sandy loam or clay loam. Potting soil mixture: A, decomposed leaf soil + peat soil + river sand + decomposed organic matter = 3 + 3 + 3 + 1. B, decomposed leaf soil 4 parts + garden soil 2 parts + river sand 2 parts + decomposed organic matter 2 parts. Decomposed organic matter includes pine needles, soybean cakes, chicken manure, animal bone meal, etc.
(2) Water: The environmental humidity should be sufficient. Spray water to increase humidity during dry periods. Also, water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist, but never let it accumulate water. Add a small amount of ferrous sulfate solution (water: ferrous sulfate = 500:1) to the daily watering. Water every 5-7 days in spring, 2-3 days in summer, 4-7 days in autumn, and 7-10 days in winter to keep the potting soil slightly moist.
(3) Light: Prevent direct sunlight in the summer and ensure shading to avoid scorching. Full sunlight in spring, autumn, and winter.
(4) Temperature: The suitable growth temperature is between 18-25 degrees Celsius. Leaves will be scorched if the temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius in summer. The temperature should not be lower than 5 degrees Celsius in winter. Provide shading or place under trees or shady areas when temperatures are above 30 degrees Celsius.