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Camellia problem

Elizabeth225Elizabeth225 Posts: 96
in Problem solving
Hi everyone,I’m having problems with my potted Camellia,which I have had for two & half years.It only seems to be flowering from the bottom up to the middle,there is only leaf growth at the top,also the leaves are becoming blotchy & yellow.I did post earlier but don’t think it posted,so I’m attempting to post it again.Should I prune it right back after flowers are finished,or should I just leave it as it is.many thanks in advance.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Are you feeding it with a suitable liquid feed, and has it got a good, soil based medium to grow in  which is refreshed every year? 
    That's vital if you want to grow in a container. The discolouration is usually from a lack of nutrients. 
    The container looks a bit small for it too. Camellias want to become huge shrubs, so they aren't the easiest to manage in a container of any kind long term. It's trying to put on growth, but probably hasn't enough sustenance to do that.  The pot may well be largely full of roots. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Tanty2Tanty2 Posts: 231
    Following on from that great advice, maybe try Maxicrop Ericaceous liquid feed and see if that makes it any happier?
  • Elizabeth225Elizabeth225 Posts: 96
    Thank you both,I have got an Ericaceous feed,but I have only been feeding it twice a year, should I do it more often? I do refresh the top as much as I can fairy girl,but like you say it’s probably outgrown it’s pot,I’m not very knowledgable with acid loving plants,& I had this bought for me.Do you think I should plant it in the ground after it has finished  flowering.Many thanks both for your advice.x
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As long as your soil isn't alkaline, it will be fine. Neutral to acidic is ideal.  :)
    Feeding is fine but the most important thing is to water well, especially in late summer, which is when the following year's buds are formed. It's easy to underestimate how much water is needed for those buds to form when it's in a pot. The density of the foliage means that rainwater doesn't always penetrate well, so the soil can be quite dry even in periods of regular rainfall.  
    The flowers only being on the lower half isn't too unusual either. It's because the buds for this year will already have formed on that part. The upper growth was either not mature enough, or there wasn't enough moisture present to produce any.   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Elizabeth225Elizabeth225 Posts: 96
    Thank you very much Fairygirl for your valuable advice,I will buy a soil testing kit just to make sure.Many thanks again.x
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