How to water camellia to grow well?

There are many people who grow camellia in life, especially in the southern region, where basically every household grows some camellia. The reason for this is not only that camellia has green leaves and beautiful flowers, but also related to its flowering time. Its flowering period happens to experience the coldest days of winter, which can add a touch of color to the entire winter. So how should we water camellia to grow well? Let’s take a look below.

1. Principles of watering camellia

First, let’s talk about the issue of principle. The principle of watering camellia is very simple, and it can be described in four words: “water thoroughly when the soil is dry.” Isn’t it simple? I believe these four words are not unfamiliar to people who grow flowers, and they have heard them quite often. But what does it mean to be completely dry and how do you know to water it thoroughly?

Thoroughly dry does not mean that there is no moisture in the soil. Dry means that there is less moisture in the soil (generally less than about 30%). Thoroughly means that not only the surface is dry, but the inside is also dry. It is also easy to understand that watering thoroughly means watering the surface of the soil in the pot thoroughly, and making sure the inside and outside are consistent.

Watering before the soil is completely dry can easily cause water accumulation, which may lead to the death of the camellia in severe cases. If you don't water thoroughly, but only water half of the way, the roots below will have no moisture, which is also not conducive to the growth of camellia.

2. How often should camellia be watered?

A lot of information on growing camellia will recommend the frequency of watering. In summer, water the plants once a day, or twice a day in the morning and evening. In winter, water the plants once a week. These are just reference data and cannot be used in actual watering. The evaporation rate varies in different regions, temperatures, winds, sunny days, cloudy days, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether watering is needed based on the actual situation. There are three main methods of judgment.

First, observe the color of the soil. If the soil is white, it is dry, and if it is black, it is wet. Second, listen to the sound. Knock on the flowerpot with your hand. If the sound is crisp, the soil is dry, and if the sound is low, the soil is wet. Third, touch the soil. Everyone can feel this by touching the soil.

3. Special period for watering camellia

In addition to watering less in winter and more in summer as mentioned above, there are several special things in the growth process of camellia , and special attention should be paid to watering during these periods.

① Seedling stage

For newly cultivated camellia seedlings, it is necessary to ensure sufficient water to promote the growth of new branches. At this time, you need to water more often to keep the soil moist. After about a year, when the camellia root system is more developed, you can follow the general principle of watering thoroughly when the soil is dry.

②Bud-raising period

From May to June every year, the flower buds of camellia begin to differentiate, and the camellia transforms from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. At this time, the amount of watering should be reduced and the potting soil should be kept dry to promote the growth of camellia buds. After flower buds form, resume watering.

③Flowering period

When camellia blooms, it needs more nutrients and water. If you don't water the camellia in time during its flowering period, the buds will not open. Only by providing sufficient water can the camellia bloom. But the water should not be too much to prevent water accumulation.

④Winter

Camellia enters a dormant period in winter, so theoretically it should be watered less. However, some camellia varieties will bloom in winter. For flowering camellia, the amount of watering should be increased appropriately.

4. Commonly used water for camellia

①Rainwater

Heavy water is not good for the growth of camellia, but rainwater contains less heavy water, so it is very good for watering camellia. In addition, rainwater is rich in nitrogen and can serve as part of the fertilizer .

②Rice washing water

After a short period of fermentation, the pH value of rice water is 6, which is slightly acidic. Camellia is most suitable for a slightly acidic environment, so it is very good to use rice water to water camellia. However, be careful if the fermentation time is too long. If it exceeds 30 hours, the pH will reach 4, which is too acidic and not suitable for watering camellia.

③Tap water

This is the water that everyone uses most often, but please note that tap water contains bleach. Do not use tap water directly to water camellia. Leave it for a while before using.

There are two more points to note: many friends forget to water their camellia due to work or other reasons. At this time, the camellia will begin to wilt, so be careful when watering it. Direct watering is not good for the camellia. You can first spray some water mist on the potting soil and leaves, and then water them after they recover.

Another point is that the weather is hot in summer and evaporation is fast. The soil in the pot will crack. At this time, the water will flow from the gaps to the bottom of the pot. You can loosen the soil appropriately before watering.

That’s it