Camellia bush is a shrub that is native to southern and eastern asia. it is an evergreen plant that has glossy, green leaves and large, white flowers. the camellia bush is a popular ornamental plant, and it is often used in bonsai.
Related plant:
Camellia Black Lace
About soil condition, the best type of soil for camellias is a well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, camellias will not thrive. You can lower the pH of your soil by adding organic matter, such as peat moss or compost.
Just like other camellias, the bush requires little to moderate sun. too much sun will scorch its leaves, too little sun will make the leaves yellow. The ideal spot for a camellia bush is one that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
The temperature condition that is best for a camellia bush is one that is cool and humid. The ideal temperature range for a camellia bush is between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of the bush will start to turn yellow and fall off. If the temperature gets too cold, the bush will become dormant and the leaves will turn brown and drop off.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 70%. The plant needs to be misted regularly in order to maintain the right level of moisture in the air. If the air is too dry, the leaves of the plant will begin to droop and the buds will fall off. If the air is too wet, the leaves will begin to yellow and the plant will be susceptible to fungal diseases.
Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does not require a lot. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. It is best to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer when camellias are first transplanted and then every few months thereafter. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow so camellias need to be watered regularly. However, the roots are also quite sensitive so care must be taken not to overwater the plant.
Pruning your camellia bush is important to encourage new growth and maintain a healthy plant. You can prune your bush in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead or diseased branches, then trimming back the remaining branches to the desired shape. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of camellia bushes is generally done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth that is about 6 to 8 inches long. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist and in 6 to 8 weeks the cutting should have rooted and be ready to transplant to its permanent location.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 3-6 inches per year. However, some species can grow up to 12 inches per year. The size of the camellia bush will also affect the growth rate. Larger bushes tend to grow slower than smaller bushes.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf gall, root-knot nematodes, and bacterial blight. To prevent these problems, it is important to plant camellias in well-drained soil and provide adequate water and fertilizer.
Source:
Camellia japonica | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
How to Grow Camellias | North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Camellias for Texas Gardens - Texas A&M University