Growing Camellia

Sunlight:

Camellias are mostly grown in the south, where the daylight is long during spring and summer. Select a location with direct morning sunlight and some afternoon shade.

Potting Soil Mixture:

Transplant your camellia to a 1-2 gallon container. Your soil mixture is one of the most important aspect of growing camellia. Wet or dry soil can lead to loss of camellia quickly. The soil mixture need to provide water AND oxygen to the roots. It needs to be moist, not wet. Wet soil can quickly rot the roots. Premixed Potting soil in garden centers general contain mostly fine peat moss. Peat moss will retain too much water and prevent oxygen to the root. Use a premix soil specifically for camellias. If it is not available, make your own. Below are a couple of recommendations:

Mixture 1:

Good potting soil + perlite in equal parts.

Mixture 2:

Good potting soil or garden soil + composed bark + perlite in equal parts

The peat moss will breakdown and lower the PH level of the soil. Commercial potting/garden soil composition varies between brands; adding perlite is a great way to ensure water drainage.

Watering:

Water generously after transplanting. Let the top of the soil dry in between watering. If your plant is drooping, give your plant a good drench. It should perk back up. The growing environment can vary daily. Observation is the best way to tailor the amount of watering it needs. In general, during the summer, water daily or every other day. Cut back during the winter.

Fertilizer:

Use a fertilizer for camellia or other acid loving plants. Follow the instructions on the label. In general fertilizer during the active growing spring- summer season. Don’t overdo it, camellias will grow at the rate that is suitable for that variety.

Growing plants is a continuous learning experience. We will update the recommendation as we learn more. You can help us by sharing your growing experience. Leave a comment below.