Camellia thrives in temperatures ranging from 15 to 32°C and requires a stable climate with ambient humidity above 60%. Most varieties can tolerate temperatures as low as -8°C, especially during natural winter conditions. Camellias are typically grown south of the Huaihe River, where they benefit from milder winters. The plants prefer acidic soils with good aeration, and they are often cultivated in peat, sawdust, laterite, or humus-based mixtures.
In terms of light, camellias require more sunlight than other plants like Du Fu, but they should be shaded by about 50% during the summer months. Watering should be done when the soil is dry, using neutral or slightly acidic surface water. It's important not to let the soil become too dry, and watering should be thorough each time. In early spring, before the new shoots emerge, some pruning may be necessary to encourage reproductive growth. However, flower buds should not be removed before blooming.
For fertilization, you can use 10g of cooked cake per pot in a 25-30cm container, or 2g of compound fertilizer. Alternatively, a solution of 0.1% urea and 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be applied every 10–20 days. Rotating between different fertilizers is recommended. If iron deficiency occurs, apply 0.2% ferrous sulfate once a week until recovery. To prevent yellowing and root rot, especially in northern regions, apply 0.2% ferrous sulfate every 15–30 days.
Common pests include spider mites, aphids, scale insects, leaf roller moths, and thrips. A mixture of cypermethrin (15ml) + phosphoramidim (20ml) or monocrotophos (25ml) in 30 pounds of water is effective for spraying. For diseases such as ring spot, anthracnose, blight, leaf spot, and sooty mold, use fungicides like trichoderma at 800 times dilution, carbendazim at 500 times, or chlorothalonil at 800 times. Regular application is essential, and attention should be given to gray mold and flower blight before flowering.
In the northern regions, leaf drop is a common issue. There are three main causes: damage during transport from southern areas leading to anthracnose and defoliation; high temperature and humidity in greenhouses causing disease-related leaf damage; and root damage due to improper lifting and poor water quality. Preventive measures include maintaining stable temperatures, avoiding direct groundwater irrigation, and applying foliar fertilizer every 15 days. A mixture of 0.1% urea, 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and humic acid micro-fertilizer helps maintain plant health.
Falling buds are also a major concern for northern camellias. Causes include previous defoliation, insufficient vernalization, and lack of light. Vernalization, the process of exposing flower buds to low temperatures, is crucial for proper development. Camellias need a period of cold (0–2°C for over 20 days) before gradually warming up. Avoid placing them in high-temperature environments too soon after transplanting. When kept indoors during winter, ensure they receive enough sunlight and maintain adequate humidity to prevent bud drop.
In summary, preventing leaf and bud drop requires a combination of environmental control, careful management, and timely interventions. By creating the right growing conditions and following proper care routines, camellias can thrive and bloom beautifully.
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