The camellia is neither considered easy to care nor really hardy. What could be better than cultivating this attractive plant in a pot? With the right care and, above all, a suitable place, this is no problem.
How do I properly care for a camellia in a pot?
A potted camellia is best kept in a bright, cool location with high humidity; Rhododendron soil or a mixture of compost, leaf mold and peat are recommended as planting substrate. Young plants should be repotted about every 2 years, older plants less frequently, and camellias should neither be moved nor rotated during the flowering period.
Where is the camellia best located?
The ideal location for a camellia is rather cool, but frost-free, with high humidity and very bright. Central European climates are therefore only suitable to a limited extent, but mild regions offer quite good living conditions. A greenhouse or a corresponding winter garden that is cool in summer and frost-free in winter is ideal, if available. A warm living room, on the other hand, is completely unsuitable.
Which potting soil is suitable for camellias?
So that your camellia thrives and appears in all its glory during the flowering period, you should definitely ensure that the soil has a suitable environment. Therefore, plant the camellia in a mixture of compost, leaf or garden soil and peat. Rhododendron soil is also suitable as an alternative to this mixture. Because just like the camellia, it prefers slightly acidic soil.
How often should I repot the camellia?
Do not repot your camellia too often, as this will affect the flower formation. It is enough if you move a young plant about every two years, older plants even less frequently.
The material of your flower pot is less important to the camellia than its size. When repotting, always choose a pot that is slightly larger than before. This looks nicer and is more tolerable for the plant.
The most important things in brief:
- ideal location: bright, cool, with high humidity
- ideal soil: slightly acidic, slightly moist, well-drained
- Suitable potting soil: Rhododendron soil or mixture of compost, leaf mold and peat
- Repot young plants about every 2 years, older plants less often
- do not move or rotate during bud and flower formation
- overwinter frost-free
Tip
Be sure to avoid turning your camellia frequently or moving it to another location, as it will easily respond by dropping its buds and/or flowers.
