Why Do Camellia Leaves Turn Black and Wither Like They're Burnt?
Blackening and drying of camellia leaves and falling off may be due to excessive watering. When watering the plant, follow the principle of "watering when dry and moist," watering only when the soil is dry, and controlling the amount of water to about 100-200 milliliters. It could also be caused by low temperatures, as camellia leaf tips will turn black after frostbite, so make sure to keep the plant warm during winter.
Reasons for Blackening of Camellia Leaves
Blackening and falling of camellia leaves may be caused by excessive watering, infection of diseases and pests, or too much potassium fertilizer applied during the fertilization process. There are many reasons that can lead to leaf blackening and falling, and I will explain them in detail below.
1. Excessive Watering
Camellias are drought-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging. Excessive watering can make the potting soil moist and cause root rot, affecting plant growth. Leaves will turn yellow or black and fall off. Accumulated water can be drained and the plant placed in a ventilated area for a few days, or the potting soil can be replaced with dry new soil. Do not water immediately after repotting.
When caring for the plant, water only when the soil is completely dry, and avoid waterlogging. It's not suitable to water during cloudy or rainy weather.
2. Diseases and Pests
Blackening of camellia leaves may be due to anthracnose infection. Diseased leaves should be cut off and destroyed to prevent the spread to more leaves. Spray the plant with a 25% wettable powder of carbendazim to eliminate the disease and prevent reinfection.
3. Improper Fertilization
Camellias can be top-dressed with a small amount of fertilizer during the growing period to promote plant and leaf growth and flowering. However, too much potassium fertilizer can cause leaves to turn black and fall off. Dilute the fertilizer with water, till the soil, or change the potting soil.
4. Low Temperature
If the temperature in the growing environment of camellias is too low, the plant is prone to frostbite, causing the leaf tips and edges to turn black. Take appropriate measures to insulate the plant, and move it to a warm place when the temperature is below 5°C, ensuring it receives scattered light.
Why Do Camellia Leaf Tips Turn Black and Wither Like They're Burnt?
5. Poor Ventilation
Camellias should not be grown in stuffy, enclosed spaces. Poor ventilation can cause leaves to turn black. When growing camellias indoors, make sure to ventilate frequently, especially during hot and humid weather, placing the plant near a vent to cool down and prevent leaf blackening and withering.
Methods to Save Camellias with Dry and Falling Leaves
Can camellias be saved after their leaves dry up and fall off? Actually, even if camellias lose all their leaves, they can still be saved. By properly following these steps, they can recover and grow new leaves quickly.
1. Pruning
After the leaves of camellias dry up and fall off, use a sterile pair of scissors to cut off the withered leaves, diseased branches, and unnecessary leaves.
This can reduce the waste of nutrients and encourage the camellia to grow new branches and leaves. After pruning, apply lime powder to the plant's wounds to prevent bacterial infection.
2. Care Environment
After pruning, place the camellia in a cool environment with temperatures between 18-24°C to promote wound healing.
Once the camellia grows new leaves and buds, move it to a place with scattered light to allow the plant to perform photosynthesis and promote leaf bud growth.
3. Spraying Medication
During the care of camellias, spray a solution of carbendazim or carbendazim mixed with water every seven days to enhance the plant's resistance.
Also, prevent leaf blight by applying the fungicide for two to three consecutive times.
4. Increase Acidity
Camellias thrive in acidic soil. If the soil lacks acidity, the plant may drop leaves. Therefore, during care, water camellias with a solution of ferrous sulfate once a month to increase soil acidity.
The detailed explanation of how to save dry and falling leaves and the reasons for blackening and withering of camellia leaf tips, as introduced by Green Enthusiast Network www.lvzhimi.com, hopes to bring you practical help in life!