Japanese camellia belongs to a vast family of teahouses. There are about 80 species of this plant. These are evergreen shrubs or trees. They can grow up to 15 meters in height. Simple leaves are elliptical or ovoid, glossy, leathery to the touch; they are pointed and dull, they grow singly, or 2-3 each. Petals have a large number of stamens, are pink, white, red, and sometimes - variegated.
With proper care, Japanese camellia can not only grow and bloom well, but also bear fruit. For this, she needs proper lighting. It is best to put it on the window from the west and east. Ideal - bright diffused lighting. For proportional plant growth, the pot with it should be rotated from time to time. But in no case should you do this when there are already buds - they can crumble. In the summer, it is good to keep the flower in the fresh air, while not exposing it to the open sun.
In summer and spring, air temperature is important (20-25 degrees). For the full formation of new kidneys, a temperature not exceeding 18 degrees is needed. During the flowering period, Japanese camellia requires even more coolness - 9-12 degrees. At temperatures above, the plant may even drop buds, and the decorative effect of the flowers may decrease.
Japanese camellia loves plentiful watering. But in no case should it be poured. It is advisable to use soft, settled water. When the flower dries, the leaves may fall. Still camellia is important in moist air - the pots should be put on a pallet with wet expanded clay or pebbles. Spray the leaves with soft water, while you can not help wetting the flowers. It is necessary to feed the flower throughout the year - every three weeks. Mineral fertilizers are full (gram of fertilizer per liter of water).
Young plants should be replanted annually. If they bloom every year, then transplants require every two years. The best time for this activity is spring. The soil mixture is made from peat, leaf, turf soil and sand (2: 2: 1: 1). The capacity where Japanese camellia grows should have good drainage.
Propagation of Japanese camellia can be caused by seeds or cuttings. Seeds must be sown one at a time in five-centimeter pots. When 2 leaves appear in each of them, you need to move them into larger pots. When propagated in this way, the signs of varieties may be lost. To avoid this, it is better to use the cuttings rooting of new pagons. In July and January, still non-stiff apical cuttings (6-8 cm) are taken. Put them in boxes. The temperature should be kept about 20-23 degrees. Soil mixture - equal parts of sand and peat. If rooted in the summer, the process can take about 2 months. If in the winter - a little more. Tanks with cuttings need to be watered and sprayed. When the roots take root, you need to transplant the cuttings into pots with a diameter of 7 cm. If Japanese camellia is rooted poorly, you need to propagate it by vaccination. It is better to do this in January, using developed buds from the tops of the shoots. Two months later, vaccinations will grow. It is important not to forget to water and spray them, as well as cut the shoots. In the second year, transplant in nine-centimeter pots, and in the third year - in pots with a diameter of 11-14 cm.
A very beautiful plant Camellia Japanese care requires very careful. This is especially true for temperature and humidity. If you adhere to the above rules, you can grow a healthy and beautiful flower.