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Post by Sabeine on Mar 18, 2004 10:34:43 GMT -5
I have a Camelia plant indoors that is sitting on a ledge near a window. During late Fall into Winter I noticed that all the leaves were falling off but the little "buds" were still on though those turned brown. They are still on today and nearly all of the leaves are gone. Is this what happens during the winter when it does not get much sunlight? I noticed that there are slight green stems coming up on the branches but since the branches look so dried out I thought I was imagining this. Has anyone experienced this? This is my first Camelia bush and I really like it. Should I trim the branches or leave it be?
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Post by Carolyn on Mar 18, 2004 11:31:38 GMT -5
I don't know anything about camillias (do a google on this and see what you can find), BUT we had one of those lovely compact bushy ficus trees and during the winter, it dropped nearly all of its leaves and Anders was getting ready to toss it, he was so pissed off at it. However, in the last month, it's all of a sudden started putting out tiny leaves and now it's looking halfway respectable, so maybe it just needs light and some food? I'll research and see what I can find out too.
I very much want to buy a gardenia plant, I LOVE the smell. How sensitive are they, does anybody know?
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Post by Sabeine on Mar 18, 2004 11:40:58 GMT -5
We've had three Gardenia plants and all of them died. It was awful. I had thought (back in CA) that I had a green thumb of sorts but I could not make those gardenia's grow no matter what. I too love the smell of them and would adore to have one or two but for us they did not work out well. If you can get some library info or internet help maybe they could describe what requirements Gardenia's need. They must be able to grow here in Sweden, since I see them all over the place at garden shops and grocery stores.
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Post by Carolyn on Mar 18, 2004 11:41:32 GMT -5
Okay, I just found this on camillias:
Camellias like acid soil with plenty of moisture. Since early morning sun may cause petals to become limp and brown, an ideal location would be west of a structure or barrier wall. Prune in spring after flowering. Keep other plants a safe distance away and apply mulch to protect the camellia's shallow roots.
Light: Prefers partial shade, but they need more sun in colder climates.
Moisture: Prefers rich moist soil, but is adaptable.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-9. Camellias are hardy, but for extra protection, apply mulch and cover flower buds if frost threatens.
Propagation: Take semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to winter (use rooting hormone). Can also be air-layered in spring.
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Post by Carolyn on Mar 18, 2004 12:48:25 GMT -5
Silly me, I forgot I had just ordered and received today "Container Gardening for Dummies" so I looked in there and it says about camillias:
Need special conditions for best growth. Put gallon sized plants in 12 inch pots, larger plants in 16 inch pots. Provide partial shade or full sun in cool climates. Soil mix should be fast-draining and acidic (there is a blend especially for acid-loving plants). Plant on the high side with the top of root ball above soil level. Keep soil moist constantly. Pick up dead flowers to stop spread of petal blight. Move into protected spot during cold weather in marginal climates. Start feeding after bloom with camilla or acid food.
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