How to cultivate Camellia japonica
This article provides a detailed explanation of the cultivation methods for Camellia japonica and the cultivation techniques for potted Camellia japonica, related to green plants. Let's follow the editor to take a look!
Camellia japonica trees are relatively short and have low branches, making them easy to prune and shape. Therefore, many gardening enthusiasts cultivate potted Camellia japonica. The blooming period of Camellia japonica is long, from November to the following March. The blooming period may vary depending on the climate and environment. The flowers of Camellia japonica come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and bicolor, which are very beautiful. So, how to plant Camellia japonica? What are the maintenance methods?
I. Key points for cultivation
1. Environment
Camellia japonica prefers warm and humid conditions; it enjoys light but can tolerate some shade, and dislikes strong sunlight, belonging to a semi-shaded plant. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil. Excessive moisture or dryness is detrimental to its growth. It is relatively cold-tolerant, with potted plants not dropping below -2 degrees Celsius in winter; it dislikes extreme heat, with growth slowing down above 30 degrees Celsius. The optimal temperature range is between 18-25 degrees Celsius.
2. Propagation
① Camellia japonica propagation uses the single-leaf short branch cutting method, selecting semi-mature branches with red-brown bark and plump axillary buds that are easy to root in mid-June each year, cutting into short branches 1-2.5 centimeters below the single leaf and axillary bud as cuttings.
② Dip the cut ends of the cuttings in a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution for 3 minutes, then insert them into the growing medium, keeping the soil moist (not too wet) and away from direct sunlight. Roots will form in about 50 days, and the plants can be transplanted into pots in early April of the following year.
3. Management
① Place potted Camellia japonica in a position with sufficient sunlight and avoid moving it frequently, as this may affect its growth and normal flowering.
② Camellia japonica produces many flower buds, and after the buds appear, it is advisable to prune off excess ones to avoid consuming a large amount of nutrients during the flowering period, which promotes larger and more vibrant flowers. Otherwise, too many buds left unpruned may result in no flowers or flower buds falling off.
③ In winter, open the windows once or twice a day to ventilate indoor Camellia japonica, and maintain good air circulation in spring, summer, and autumn. Additionally, spray water on the leaves to prevent dust. Watering should be done when the soil is dry, and fertilizing should be done during the growing season, but not in winter.
④ Camellia japonica has strong resistance and fewer diseases and pests. If diseases are found indoors, you can use a solution made by steeping tobacco leaves mixed with chili water to spray and kill the pests. This method can also be used outdoors without polluting the environment.
II. Maintenance methods
1. Pay attention to thoroughly watering the Camellia japonica immediately after planting it for the first time, and do not water again until the potting soil is dry.
2. When watering Camellia japonica, make sure to water thoroughly. Do not stop watering just because the surface of the soil looks wet; always check to see if it has penetrated and reached the roots.
3. Do not fertilize Camellia japonica during the flowering period. When fertilizing young Camellia japonica seedlings, avoid using concentrated fertilizer and be sure to spray with new lipid film appropriately to promote seedling growth.
The comprehensive explanation of how to cultivate Camellia japonica and the cultivation techniques for potted Camellia japonica provided above is hoped to be helpful to you.