How to Care for Red Camellia at Home
This article provides information on how to care for red camellias in a home setting. If there are any inaccuracies, please feel free to correct them!
How to Care for Red Camellia at Home
Red camellias thrive in temperatures between 15-32 degrees Celsius with about 10 hours of sunlight daily. For potted plants, at least 4 hours of sunlight is necessary. The flowers prefer slightly acidic and loose soil, and a mix of decomposed leaf soil, pine needle soil, and a small amount of river sand can be used. The watering principle is to keep the soil slightly moist during the blooming and growing period and slightly dry during the dormant period, avoiding waterlogging.
Growth Conditions for Red Camellia
Red camellias prefer temperatures between 15-32 degrees Celsius and a humidity level above 60%. The temperature should not exceed 35 degrees. Most varieties can tolerate temperatures as low as -8 degrees Celsius. In regions south of the Huai River, they can usually survive the winter naturally. They prefer well-draining acidic soil, which can be composed of peat, decomposed sawdust, red soil, and humus soil.
How to Care for Red Camellia
Red camellias dislike extreme cold and heat. They grow best when the daytime temperature does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius and the nighttime temperature is not below 16 degrees Celsius. They need about 10 hours of sunlight daily. For potted plants, at least 4 hours of sunlight is beneficial for growth and flowering. If they are kept in the shade for extended periods, they lack photosynthesis, which is harmful to their growth and development.
Watering Red Camellia
Watering is a crucial aspect of caring for red camellias. The principle is to keep the soil slightly moist during the blooming and growing period and slightly dry during the dormant period. During summer and autumn, when temperatures are higher, water should be provided promptly to keep the potting mix moist but not dry. It's also important to spray water around the plant, while reducing watering during rainy days.
Fertilizing Red Camellia
During the growing period, red camellias require proper fertilization. To promote bud differentiation, apply a well-rotted, dilute liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Apply a dilute phosphorus fertilizer in July, and stop fertilizing from February to April.
Disease and Pest Control for Red Camellia
Common pests for red camellias are leaf-rolling moths, which are attracted to sugar and vinegar. They can be trapped and killed or sprayed with phoxim or dichlorvos solutions. Common diseases include ring spot, which can be controlled by spraying carbendazim solution.
Home Care for Red Camellia
Red camellias are suited for planting in slightly acidic and loose soil. A mix of decomposed leaf soil, pine needle soil, and a small amount of river sand can be used. The bottom of the pot should be filled with about 1/4 of tiles or furnace slag to improve drainage. The pot should be changed every 2-3 years, preferably in spring or in early June.
Points to Consider When Caring for Red Camellia
Red camellias sprout twice a year, mainly in late spring and late summer. Before sprouting, the branches can be slightly pruned, with the top buds trimmed evenly and the flower buds thinned to reduce nutrient loss and enhance the plant's ornamental value.
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