GROWING CAMELLIAS INDOORS

Camellias are evergreen flowering ornamental shrubs that are native to China and Japan.  No other ornamental plant offers the unique diversity of the Camellia.  Species of the camellia are vast and greatly vary in color, flower, growth habit, fragrance and bloom season.   This is a very comprehensive species and so much information given about it today is inaccurate or incomplete. 

Camellias are not native to the US, but were imported into our country and were known to be growing here in the 1700's when our country was new.  The southern regions with it's mild temperatures and higher humidity is ideal for growing camellias outdoors.  Many varieties can be grown in open areas without.  Because this genus has so much versatility,  there are varieties of camellias that are low growing,  and easily maintained to heights of 5' or less and large growing varieties that can easily reach 20' or more.  There are even more varieties of different species of Camellia that are subtropical in nature that can not tolerate cold temperatures.  Most of these are rare but can be found if  with some luck.   The most common species,  Japonica is known for it's blooms that can vary greatly with each variety and is the species most readily produced commercially today.  There are over 8000 known varieties of Japonica in the U.S. alone. 

Camellias have successfully grown indoors for years in climates that are not conducive to outdoor grown varieties.  In the south, we normally do not grow them indoors since they perform so well in the landscape.  To perform at their best, follow these simple rules for successful camellia gardening indoors!

LIGHT

Camellias need a great deal of  light.  In northern areas, that would mean full sun winter through spring.  During the summer, they need protection from direct sun. 

WATER

Camellias do not like to be wet or dry.  Moist is best.  To avoid salt problems,  distilled or rain water is best.  Water that contains chemicals is not recommended.   Yellow leaves are sometimes a symptom of too much water.

TEMPERATURE

Camellias like it cool lower 50's is ideal  while it is setting buds normally late summer and early fall and through it's bloom season.  During the rest of the year, camellias do well with average household temperatures.  It is recommended after danger of freeze has passed that camellias grown in containers be moved to a shady location outdoors.  Avoid drastic changes in temperature or light.

HUMIDITY

Except when in bloom, Camellias like to be misted every few days.  When in bloom, raise the air moisture level with a humidifier (cool mist only) or humidity trays. 

FERTILIZER

Camellias need a balanced fertilizer when they are actively growing, during the spring and summer.  The use of a liquid fertilizer on a regular basis would be good, or there are many granular fertilizers that are available to provide an adequate feeding.  Check with your local extension agent for more information on what types of fertilizers to use. 

SOIL

Camellias do best in soil mixes that are high in organic components such as peat or leaf mold.  It is important to choose a soil that is WELL DRAINED.  Remember that you want to have moist soil not WET soil.   A soil that drains well and does not hold too much water will lessen your chances of root rot.

CONTAINERS

Camellias can be grown in a wide variety of containers.  They are slow growing for the most part and should not require frequent re-potting.  Drainage is essential your pot should contain drain holes and should be checked regularly to see that they are draining properly.  Make sure the camellia is not standing in a saucer holding water.   Containers that do not drain properly or that are sitting in saucers of water can cause root rot to your camellias and they could die.