The difficulties of growing camellia
Not all growers undertake to grow camellia, because this plant is quite capricious. Often store-bought or gifted, a lush and beautiful flowering bush over time turns into a bare-shoot misunderstanding. From the slightest disturbance in the care, the flower sheds its leaves, refuses to bloom and even dries up.
However, this does not mean that it is impossible to grow camellia at home. If you know all the subtleties of its character and pay due attention to the flower, it is quite possible to preserve the decorative beauty of the bush and even propagate it.
Camellia is native to Japan. Wild plant species are not particularly attractive - their flowers are simple, not double, and small. But thanks to the work of breeders, many varieties with gorgeous inflorescences of various colors have been bred on their basis.
So, what does the camellia love and what shouldn't be allowed?
The main "enemy" of the plant is room air
Camellia is simply created for cool temperatures and only in such conditions it feels good. Indoors, it is very difficult to provide the plant with cool conditions, especially in winter, when the heating is on.
Camellias grow best in greenhouses, where the optimum humidity and air temperature are maintained. At home, it is recommended to grow the flower as a tub culture and take it outside for the summer.
Camellia belongs to cold-resistant plants and without loss tolerates small frosts up to 6 degrees below zero.
Where is the best place to keep the flower?
Taking into account the peculiarities of our climate, namely cold winters, it is quite understandable that a year-round stay of camellia on the street is impossible and will lead to the death of the plant. In this case, the following cultivation option is suitable:
- in spring and summer, take the camellia pot to the garden or balcony;
- in the fall, take him to the house for the winter.
If possible, you need to find a cool room for the camellia and not put the pot near the battery.
Soil requirements
Oddly enough, but camellias grow well only on marsh soil. So that the bush does not disappear, it is necessary to pick up a peat mixture with an acid reaction for it. You can also use a store-bought substrate for azalea - it contains ingredients that are also suitable for camellia.
You can prepare the ground for camellia yourself on the basis of a store peat mixture, adding a little garden soil and charcoal to it.