Although the camellia is often offered as a houseplant already flowering in a pot, it will probably die very quickly in a warm, well-heated living room. She doesn't like dry air or heat.
Is the camellia suitable as a houseplant?
The camellia is not ideal as a houseplant because it prefers cool, moist air and cannot tolerate warm, dry conditions. It requires a lot of light, slightly acidic soil, is partially hardy and has certain location requirements. A cool winter garden would be a better environment.
The camellia is not exactly easy to care for and also places certain demands on its location. It needs a lot of light, but prefers it a little cooler. It can only withstand temperatures above 20 °C for a short time. In the blazing sun it quickly gets brown leaves due to sunburn. Partial shade, on the other hand, is quite favorable.
Where does camellia come from?
There are around 300 species of camellia (bot. Camellia japonica), which belongs to the tea plant family and has existed for hundreds of years. She comes from East Asia. Allegedly the camellia was brought to Europe by Portuguese sailors in the 16th century, where it experienced its heyday in the 19th century. Although it is related to the tea bush, it is not used for tea production but is used as an ornamental plant.
Can a camellia be grown in a pot?
A camellia can definitely be grown in a pot if you keep a few things in mind. Choose a pot that is not too large for your camellia; it should only be a few centimeters larger in diameter than the previous planter.
Use slightly acidic soil, such as rhododendron soil, because camellia is not particularly tolerant of lime. Do not repot the plant too frequently and move the plant as little as possible.
Where does the camellia feel comfortable?
The camellia generally feels quite comfortable in the garden. However, the air should not become too dry here either. However, it is only hardy in a mild area and in old age. As a young plant, the camellia should, if possible, overwinter frost-free. Therefore, planting out is only recommended at around the age of four.
A winter garden that is not too warm or a cold greenhouse is suitable for camellias all year round. Here the humidity can be controlled relatively easily and kept constant at around 70 percent. However, the temperature should not always be the same. A certain cold stimulus ensures lush flowering. With this you can even influence the flowering time within certain limits.
The most important things in brief:
- not good as a houseplant
- prefers cool but moist air
- is only conditionally hardy
- needs a lot of light
- is not really easy to care for
- needs slightly acidic soil
- Cold stimulus required for flowering
Tip
If you have one, place your camellia in a rather cool winter garden. She will probably feel very comfortable there.
