Camellias should not be repotted too often. If possible, flowering Camellia japonica should only be transplanted every three years. Repotting becomes necessary when the pot has become too small or the soil hardly contains any nutrients.
When and how should you repot a camellia?
Camellias should be repotted every three years, ideally in spring after flowering or in late August as soon as buds begin to form. Use a slightly larger pot and lime-free ericaceous soil to promote optimal growth.
When do camellias need to be repotted?
If the roots have spread throughout the pot so that they are already growing out through the drainage holes at the bottom, it is high time to repot.
Repotting the camellia is advisable even if the soil no longer contains enough nutrients or if pests such as the black weevil have established themselves in it.
The best time to repot
There are two favorable dates for repotting a Camellia japonica. The first is immediately after the flowering period in spring, when all the buds have faded.
If you missed this point, you can also repot the camellia at the end of August as soon as the buds have started to form.
The rest of the time you should only transplant the plant in an emergency.
The right pot and suitable substrate
The new pot should be only slightly larger than the old bucket. Clean the planter carefully. Drain holes are important so that watering does not cause waterlogging. A layer of sand or gravel placed under the potting soil at the bottom of the bucket also helps against waterlogging.
Camellias prefer soil with a low PH value, which is also known in technical language as bog soil. Above all, it must be lime-free. You can buy the appropriate camellia soil or, alternatively, azalea soil from specialist retailers.
If you want to mix the soil yourself, you will need:
- Compost
- Coniferous soil or peat
- some clay
Limit growth by repotting
The growth of the camellia can be limited by repotting in a timely manner. To do this, take the Camellia japonica out of the pot, cut off one to two centimeters of the roots all around with a sharp knife and place the plant in fresh soil.
Tips & Tricks
If the camellia has become too big, you can cut it back radically if necessary. Shorten the shoots so that each shoot is at least five centimeters long and there are enough eyes left on it.