How to cultivate Four Seasons Camellia
This article provides some tips and experiences on how to cultivate Four Seasons Camellia and the precautions for potting it. Please refer to the detailed introduction below.
Camellia flowers bloom magnificently and elegantly, earning the reputation of "the delicate guest among flowers." They are also considered flowers of wealth and auspiciousness, with a long history of cultivation in our country and are beloved by flower enthusiasts. Ordinary varieties of camellias usually bloom from January to March, but with proper cultivation, Four Seasons Camellias can bloom throughout the year. It's now September; how should we cultivate and care for the camellias we've purchased?
1. Planting Four Seasons Camellia
If the Four Seasons Camellia you purchased comes with a pot, don't rush to repot it. Let the camellia adapt to your home environment first. Since the growing conditions of the camellia you bought are different from those at home, you can let the camellia grow at home for about a week before repotting. For camellias bought with soil balls, you can pot them directly.
Soil: Like camellias, Four Seasons Camellias prefer slightly acidic soil. When planting, use rich, fertile, loose, and well-draining soil. A common mix includes leaf mold, peat, and sand. Use a breathable clay pot for planting, which benefits the growth of Four Seasons Camellias.
Potting: When potting camellias, place a piece of window screen at the bottom of the pot, then fill it with 1/3 soil. Remove the outer soil from the camellia, leaving the protective soil, place it in the center of the pot, cover it with soil, water thoroughly, and place it in a shaded and ventilated area to acclimate. After 5-7 days, it can gradually be exposed to sunlight and then cared for normally.
If the Four Seasons Camellia is not in good condition, you can trim the branches and leaves appropriately before potting.
2. More Sunlight
Four Seasons Camellias prefer more sunlight than regular camellias but are also shade-tolerant flowers. In the summer, when the sun is strong, they need to be shaded appropriately to prevent sunburn.
Sunlight suggestion: After acclimating the purchased Four Seasons Camellia, it will be mid-September. Although the temperature is relatively low in the morning and evening, the midday sun is still strong, so it still needs appropriate shading. It can be exposed to some sunlight in the morning and afternoon. In winter, the sun is warm and suitable for the growth and flowering of Four Seasons Camellias, so they can be kept in plenty of sunlight.
How to cultivate Four Seasons Camellia
3. Proper Watering
Four Seasons Camellias enjoy a humid environment but are averse to waterlogging, so watering them requires attention.
Watering: Four Seasons Camellias prefer slightly acidic soil and water. When watering, you can use rainwater or river water. If using tap water in northern regions, let it sit for more than 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate before using it.
In autumn, the weather is dry, and it's a period of vigorous growth for Four Seasons Camellias, so you can water them thoroughly when the soil turns white. During dry weather, also frequently mist the area around the pot.
4. Light Fertilizing
Four Seasons Camellias are fond of fertilizer, as they have a long growing period and can bloom throughout the year if the temperature is suitable. However, when fertilizing, use a light and frequent approach, avoiding raw or concentrated fertilizers to prevent root burn.
Fertilizing: When fertilizing Four Seasons Camellias, during the growing season in spring and autumn, before flowering, you can apply a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, such as "Flower More No. 2," every 15-20 days. Additionally, you can spray a dilute 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution every 7-10 days to promote blooming.
In winter, fertilizing should be stopped. If the indoor temperature is between 15-25 degrees and there's plenty of sunlight, fertilizing can continue, allowing the camellias to bloom in winter. Stop fertilizing in the next few weeks and use spring fertilizing, which can also extend the blooming period.
Compared to ordinary camellias, Four Seasons Camellias have a longer blooming period and are easier to cultivate. By learning how to plant and follow a few care methods, you can make camellias bloom throughout the year.
The above introduction on how to cultivate Four Seasons Camellia and the precautions for potting it may be helpful to you. Don't forget to visit Green Plant Enthusiast website for more experience and knowledge!