Japanese Camellia / Common Camellia
Camellia japonica
description
Japanese Camellia is an evergreen shrub or small tree with polished leaves and formal winter flowers.
benefits
- Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
- Suitable for containers
How to care for Japanese Camellia
sunlight
Japanese camellias grow at woodland edges in bright, filtered light. Give yours strong light without the heat of harsh afternoon sun to support buds and keep leaves glossy.
Bright indirect or dappled light
Place it near an east-facing window, or set it back from a bright south or west window behind a sheer curtain. A little gentle morning sun is usually welcome, but hot direct afternoon sun can scorch leaves and dry developing buds.
watering
Keep the root ball evenly moist, never waterlogged. Camellias have fine, shallow roots that suffer if they dry out completely or sit in stagnant water.
Spring - early autumn
Water thoroughly about every 4-7 days, and more often in hot, bright weather or in a small terracotta pot. Check first: water when the top 2-3 cm of compost feels dry, while it is still lightly moist below. Let excess drain away.
Cooler, lower-light months
Expect to water roughly every 10-14 days, but use the soil check rather than the calendar. Growth slows in cool conditions, so the pot should become noticeably lighter before the next watering.
Warmth, direct sun, dry air, a porous mix, and active growth make the soil dry faster. A large pot, cool room, or low light slows it down.
humidity
Preferred humidity
Japanese camellias come from humid, wooded regions, so they appreciate evenly moist air, especially when grown indoors. Most homes at 40-60% are suitable if the plant is kept cool and watered consistently.
Air that is too dry can cause brown, crisp leaf edges, dull foliage, and developing buds that shrivel or drop. Dry air is most likely indoors during winter heating.
If your home is dry
- Run a humidifier nearby, aiming for about 50%.
- Group plants together or use a pebble tray with water below the pot base.
- Give the plant good air circulation rather than frequent misting, which offers only brief relief.
temperature
Spring to autumn
Winter flowering
Japanese camellias come from cool, humid woodland climates. They flower best in a bright, cool spot, and prolonged indoor heat can dry the plant and make buds drop.
nutrition
March - July
Feed after flowering, while new shoots are growing, with a fertilizer for camellias, rhododendrons, or other acid-loving plants. Apply at about half the label strength every 4-6 weeks, or use a slow-release product in spring as directed. Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before cold weather.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports the glossy leaves and spring shoot growth. A balanced fertilizer made for acid-loving plants provides enough without pushing soft, overly leafy growth.
Iron
Iron is easier for camellias to absorb in acidic soil. Yellow young leaves with green veins can indicate that the soil or irrigation water is too alkaline, rather than a need for more general fertilizer.
soil
Moisture-retentive, airy soil
Camellias have fine roots that prefer steady moisture but rot in dense, soggy compost. Use an ericaceous potting mix, or blend composted bark and leaf mould with perlite for a humus-rich mix that drains freely.
pH 5,5 - 6,5
This is acidic soil. Choose an ericaceous mix and avoid adding lime. In pots, water with rainwater where possible, especially in hard-water areas, to help keep the mix suitably acidic.