Camellia japoncia
Camellia Bonsai
Native to China. Among a genus of tons of species, Camellia japonica are beauteous flowering shrubs that have proven a popular choice for bonsai. Its splendid aesthetic is made up of a smooth beige bark, glossy leathery leaves and bright flowers of pinks, whites and reds.
Camellia Bonsai Care Tips
Placement
Across the growing season, Camellia should be placed in a cool airy position with a semi-shade available for the peak of summer. Come the winter, a transfer to frost-free spot is required. If placed indoors a bright spot near a window is advised to provide the necessary light throughout the day.
Watering
Camellia bonsai should have their soil kept moist across the summer but be cautious, and avoid over-watering. To do this check the top inch of soil has dried between waterings. In the winter allow more than an inch of the soil to dry between waterings. Camellia bonsai rootballs need sustained moisture.
Feeding & Fertilising
Camellia is an acid-loving species and choosing an appropriate fertiliser is necessary. A feed richer in nitrogen and lower in phosphorus and potassium is ideal. Across the growing season feed your Camellia Bonsai every week with an appropriate liquid feed or monthly with a solid organic one. Do not feed during the trees flowering.
Pruning & Wiring
Pruning your bonsai is important not only to create or maintain an aesthetic style but also to ensure optimal health. Any hard pruning should be done in the Spring once the flowering has taken place. New shoots should be trimmed back to two or three leaves and wilted flowers are to be removed. Unnecessary shoots and buds can be removed at any time.
Camellia responds to wiring in the Winter. It’s advisable to cover the wire as the bark is smooth and marks very easily. We recommend using wires with a thickness that matches the thickness of the branch: if the wire you choose is too thick you will damage the bark. If it is too thin, it won’t be effective.
Repotting
Repotting your tree is an important way to provide a fresh and suitable soil mix and ensure appropriate root health. Repot your Camellia bonsai in the Spring every two to three years. Root pruning should be done lightly. A lime-free soil is best for this species.
Trees that are ready for repotting will require root pruning, a suitable new pot and appropriate soil mix.
When repotting, do not cut back the root mass by a large amount, and choose a well-draining soil mix that has a neutral or slightly higher PH value of 5-6 but not over 7. We tend to use a mixture of different speciality bonsai soils on our trees. Every species is different so please contact us for free soil-mix advice or to take advantage of our repotting service.
Bonsai trees aren’t only magnificent additions to an indoor oasis, they are more than capable of standing out in any garden. Many Bonsai species are incredibly hardy and withstand nature’s colder and damper turns with aplomb making them worthwhile outdoor plants. We have an extensive library of care guides for outdoor bonsai trees. It’s not about selecting the perfect bonsai, it’s about selecting the perfect bonsai for you.
Camellia Bonsai - Typical Queries
How to propagate Camellia bonsai?
Camellia can be propagated with cuttings, seeds and air-layering. For cuttings, hardwood is advised. Propagating from seeds will take a long time for the seeds to see growth.
Do Camellia bonsai get pests and disease?
Camellia is a species that can attract quite a few intruders. As we; as mealybugs, scale and aphids. Camellia is particularly prone to vine weevil. It is worth inspecting the soil mix when repotting, wherever possible water nematodes into the compost in late Spring. Use an insecticide an clean the leaves with a misting.
Is Camellia a good bonsai for beginners?
Not only is this a specimen that produces beautiful flowers, but it also has a straightforward care regimen. This is a fair easy tree to grow and train and is advisable for beginners.
