Tea plum blossom, also known as camellia, is a variety of camellia with flowers resembling plum blossoms, hence the name tea plum. It combines the characteristics of both camellia and plum blossoms, with exquisite and charming flowers that bloom for a long period, making it highly ornamental. So, what are the cultivation methods and precautions for tea plum blossoms? Let's find out.
1. Potting Soil Selection
For planting tea plum blossoms, it's best to use clay pots to facilitate ventilation and water absorption. The soil should be fertile, loose, well-drained, and acidic sandy loam soil. In northern regions, a potting mix mainly composed of humus or peat soil with a small amount of river sand is preferred for potted cultivation.
2. Temperature and Light
Tea plum blossoms prefer semi-shaded conditions and should be kept away from direct sunlight. They should be placed in shaded areas during summer and can receive more sunlight during cool seasons like autumn and winter. Tea plum blossoms are cold-resistant but dislike extreme heat, thriving best at temperatures between 18 to 25 degrees Celsius.
3. Watering
Watering of tea plum blossoms should be adjusted according to the season. In spring and autumn when growth is vigorous, frequent watering is needed. In summer, water loss is rapid, so it's best to water in the morning and evening. Reduce watering during winter dormancy. Watering should be done along the edge of the pot to maintain soil moisture.
4. Fertilization
The first fertilization for tea plum blossoms should be concentrated between February and March, using a dilute nitrogen fertilizer. The second fertilization can be applied between April and May, using a dilute cake fertilizer solution. Additionally, spraying flower bud vigor regulators during the budding period can promote stronger buds, larger petals, and brighter colors.
5. Pruning
Like camellias, tea plum blossoms require timely pruning and removal of spent flowers to reduce nutrient consumption. Generally, leaving one flower bud per branch and removing the rest can maintain a beautiful plant shape, promote the sprouting of new branches, and stimulate healthy plant growth.
6. Precautions
(1) Fertilization for tea plum blossoms should be mild and well-rotted. Applying raw or concentrated fertilizer may burn the roots.
(2) Ensure good air circulation to prevent flower bud blast, especially during winter when windows are mostly closed. It's advisable to ventilate by opening windows for about ten minutes in the morning and evening to keep the indoor air fresh and avoid exposure to harmful gases.
(3) When the potting soil becomes compacted, it should be replaced. Compacted soil is not conducive to root extension and may lead to root rot. Washing the roots of newly bought tea plum blossoms is recommended to facilitate root extension.
In summary, tea plum blossoms are as beautiful as camellias and plum blossoms, and their greatest advantage lies in their cold resistance and ease of cultivation, making them popular among flower enthusiasts. However, mastering the cultivation methods and precautions is essential for successfully growing tea plum blossoms.
