Camellia Japanese
Family of tea. The genus of the camellia.
Natural climatic conditions: subtropical forests of China and Japan.
Evergreen shrub( in natural conditions - a tree up to 5 m in height), the shoots are erect, the leaves are regular, almost sessile, up to 8 cm in length, elliptical to ovoid in shape, slightly serrate at the edges, often slightly pointed,, leathery, dark green color. Flowers single, large( from 4 to 15 cm in diameter in different varieties), apical or axillary, can be double, semi-double and non-marble, as if waxed, coloring from white to red depending on the variety, there are also variegated varieties. Since there are more than thousand varieties of camellia, it is not possible to give their characteristics and even a full list of names.
Moisture requirement: regular even irrigation: both over-wetting and overdrying can lead to the fall of buds. Particularly moderate watering should be at rest. In July, when laying buds, watering is also somewhat reduced.
Temperature regime: for a maximum optimal camellia content in winter, the cold regime should be maintained around( 5-6 ° C) in winter, after which the plant is kept at a temperature of 12-15 ° C, but many varieties can grow even with a lower winter temperature decrease. Sharp fluctuations in temperature are undesirable( can lead to the dropping of buds).Water for irrigation should be soft.
Light mode: in winter - full illumination, in summer it is necessary to shade from direct sunlight.
Requirement for soil: different variants of nutritious loose soil mixtures with a weak acid reaction( pH 5.5-6), N not corresponding to the acidity of the camellia are very sensitive. Drainage is mandatory. In the summer, alternating fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers is necessary.
Propagation: by seeds, by layers, grafting, semi-aged cuttings( treatment with hetero-uksin is desirable).
Features: for most contraindicated turning to light. Slowly taking root. Drafts can ruin a plant. Growing in subsidiary greenhouses is preferable to indoor.