Camellias should not be repotted too often. Flowering Camellia japonica should only be planted every three years if possible. Repotting becomes necessary when the pot has become too small or the soil hardly contains any nutrients.

In order for the camellia to grow well, the roots need enough space

When do camellias need to be repotted?

When the roots have spread throughout the pot so that they are already growing out through the drainage holes at the bottom, it is high time to repot.

Even if the soil no longer contains enough nutrients or if pests such as the vine weevil have nested in it, it is advisable to repot the camellia.

The best time to repot

There are two favorable dates for repotting a Camellia japonica. The first is right after flowering in spring, when all the buds have faded.

If you missed this point in time, you can also repot the camellia at the end of August, as soon as the buds have started to form.

During the rest of the time, you should only transplant the plant in an emergency.

The right pot and suitable substrate

The new pot should only be slightly larger than the old bucket. Clean the planter carefully. Drainage holes are important so that no waterlogging occurs when watering. A layer of sand or gravel on the bottom of the bucket under the potting soil also helps against waterlogging.

Camellias prefer a soil with a low PH value, which is also called bog bed soil in technical jargon. Above all, it must be lime-free. You can buy appropriate camellia soil or, alternatively, ready-made azalea soil in specialist shops.

If you want to mix the soil yourself, you will need:

  • compost
  • coniferous earth or peat
  • some clay

Limit growth by repotting

Timely repotting can limit the growth of the camellia. To do this, take the Camellia japonica out of the pot, cut off one or two centimeters of the roots with a sharp knife and place the plant in fresh soil.

tips and tricks

If the camellia has grown too big, you can cut it back radically if necessary. Shorten the shoots so that each shoot is at least five centimeters long and enough eyes remain.

Category:

Vegetable garden