Camellia Potted Plant Care Techniques
For most women, the common knowledge of flower cultivation, especially about Camellias, involves the care techniques for Camellia potted plants. The site editor will introduce the following content to the netizens.
The author has been cultivating Camellia potted plants for over 20 years and will share some shallow insights gained from personal experience.
Firstly, suitable soil is essential. Soil is the growth foundation for Camellia potted plants because the root system of Camellias relies on soil for growth and development. The water and nutrients required for the life activities of Camellias are mainly absorbed from the soil. Camellias prefer slightly acidic, humus-rich, and loose mountainous red (yellow) loamy soil with a pH value between 5 and 6.5. Alkaline or heavy clay soils should not be used as the substrate for Camellia potted plants. Soil mixture: mountain soil (mature red loamy soil for crop cultivation) 50%, sawdust or edible fungi residue 40%, cake fertilizer powder or livestock manure and phosphate fertilizer powder 10%, mix the three together, add water appropriately, bag and mature for more than 20 days in summer and autumn, and more than 30 days in spring and winter. This soil is not only loose and well-ventilated but also retains fertilizer and water, suitable for the growth and development of Camellias.
Secondly, moderate sunlight is needed. Camellias require appropriate sunlight but are sensitive to high temperatures and direct sunlight. In spring and late autumn, move the Camellia to a sunny balcony or ground to receive full-day sunlight, promoting the growth and development of the plant and the differentiation of flower buds. When the sun is strongest in summer, move the pot to a shaded, well-ventilated area or to the north-facing balcony or the lower part of the south-facing balcony. You can also use a 75% shade net to cover the plant from 9 am to 5 pm to avoid direct sunlight, preventing leaf damage or the drying of young plants. Those with conditions can move the Camellia to a sunshade for a safe summer.
Thirdly, suitable temperature is important. Temperature is a crucial condition for the physiological activities of Camellias. Camellias prefer warm temperatures, with the most suitable growth temperature being between 18°C and 25°C and relative humidity between 60% and 65%. The growth of Camellias, with spring shoots usually germinating in late March and early April, starts to sprout in April, forms terminal buds in mid-to-late May, stops growing, and gradually differentiates into leaf or flower buds. It takes 180 to 240 days from the formation of flower buds to blooming. Summer shoots start to germinate in late July and stop growing by mid-September. Although Camellias can tolerate low temperatures, sudden drops in temperature below 0°C or exposure to dry northwestern winds can cause frost damage to young branches, and frozen flower buds will wither. Therefore, move the pot to a location facing south to the north to ensure safe overwintering.
Fourthly, appropriate humidity is required. Camellias have many large leaves with a fast transpiration rate. They prefer a humid climate and moist soil. Therefore, sufficient water should be supplied to potted Camellias, watering once a day during the spring and autumn growing seasons, twice a day in summer, especially during the "dog days," and once or twice more if the ground is dry, to maintain a certain level of air humidity, which promotes lush growth. At the same time, be aware that excessive watering, combined with the fact that most families use tap water, can lead to soil alkalization over time. Therefore, when watering, supplement with 0.5% to 1% ferrous sulfate solution once a month, or use a 5% to 8% edible vinegar solution to spray on the leaves. Camellias prefer moist soil but are averse to waterlogging in the pot. If water accumulates in the pot during rainy days, it must be drained promptly to prevent root rot and decay.
Fifthly, an appropriate amount of nutrients is needed. Camellias are fond of fertilizers because they have a robust tree structure, many leaves, and a long blooming period, requiring a high amount of fertilizer. During the fertilization process, sufficient liquid fertilizer should be applied, combined with long-acting fertilizer during potting. Depending on the size of the pot, apply 3 to 80 grams of mature cake fertilizer powder or dried chicken and duck manure mixed with the bottom soil. Organic fertilizers should be added according to the growth period of the plant. Besides the coldest and hottest times of winter and summer, apply mature cake water once or twice a month. The fertilization method is to dig about 2 inches of soil around the pot, apply the liquid fertilizer in the trench, and cover it with soil to avoid odors. You can also apply mature cake fertilizer powder around the pot and mix it with the soil, allowing the plant to absorb it slowly. Urban flower enthusiasts can purchase special flower fertilizers from the flower market, which are both hygienic and safe. To promote better growth, apply foliar feeding once or twice a month during the vigorous growth period of Camellias, using 0.2% to 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 1% to 2% plant growth regulators to spray on the leaves. The principle of fertilization is: light rather than heavy, dilute rather than concentrated, and less rather than more, insisting on the method of applying thin and frequent fertilizers, especially avoiding raw fertilizers.
Sixthly, a suitable environment is necessary. Camellias prefer to grow in environments with moderate air flow and enjoy gentle breezes, especially the moisture brought by the southeast wind. However, they are averse to northwestern and strong winds, which can cause excessive evaporation of water, leading to an imbalance in the water supply and demand of Camellias, and causing the plant to drop buds and flowers. In winter, Camellias should be placed in a wind-protected and sunny environment with some temperature and humidity. In spring and autumn, move the pot to the balcony for ventilation, exposure to light, and gentle breezes. This not only promotes good plant growth but also aids in flower bud differentiation, flower bud development, and reduces the occurrence of diseases and pests. Years of practice have shown that moderate ventilation and appropriate sunlight can prevent diseases and pests.
Have green plant enthusiasts understood the complete content about Camellia potted plant care techniques?