As beautiful as the camellia is during the flowering period, it quickly loses its attractiveness with brown spots on the leaves. Depending on the cause, this can also be the beginning of the end for your camellia.
What causes brown spots on camellia leaves and how to fix them?
Brown spots on camellia leaves can be caused by too much fertilizer, too little water, cold wind, sunburn, a location that is too warm or, rarely, pest infestation. This can be remedied by making changes to watering behavior, fertilizing, changing location and, if necessary, repotting the plant.
Infestation with pests is rarely the reason for unsightly leaf spots; more often these are due to location or care errors. A certain amount of leaf loss is also completely normal for evergreen plants.
Possible causes of brown spots:
- too much fertilizer
- too little water
- cold wind
- Sunburn
- location too warm
- rather rare: pest infestation
Can I help my camellia?
React immediately when you notice the first brown spots on the leaves of your camellia, then the plant should be easy to save. Adjust your watering behavior, i.e. give more water if the soil is very dry, less if the soil is waterlogged and possibly limit fertilizing.
If your camellia is too warm or exposed to the blazing midday sun, then think about changing its location. You can move a camellia in a pot almost immediately. However, if the plant has just set buds, it may lose them.
When should I move my camellia?
Shortly before flowering, changing location is not good for your camellia. It is better to put up sun protection and postpone moving or transplanting until after flowering. If your camellia is so wet that the roots begin to rot or the plant is completely over-fertilized, then it urgently needs new soil.
Where does a camellia really feel at home?
The camellia prefers a cool and bright location. Neither in the hot midday sun nor in a place with icy winds in winter will it survive for long and bloom profusely. On the contrary: sunburn and frost damage can result here and cause brown leaves on your camellia.
Tip
The camellia thrives best on slightly acidic soil or with appropriate fertilizer.
