Camellia Dying

Question

My Camellia which is planted in a pot is losing all it’s leaves. Any idea why. See attached pictures. I am also confused by the attached article that says ericaceous feeds commonly sold in garden centres should not be used on camellias in containers

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Answer 1

One thing that will help is to remove the other plants in the container that are competing for nutrition and water. Be sure you have a mulch layer. Then, spray the leaves, top and bottom, with Neem oil, to eradicate any insects or spider mites. It looks like the plant may have spider mites. Make sure you are watering correctly because yellow leaves as well as brown edged leaves can indicate too much or too little water. If you didn't fertilize in the spring, go ahead and fertilize now unless it is over 90 degrees F.

Also, have you checked the pH level in the container? It should be between 4.5 and 6.5.

I found the same comment about not fertilizing young or potted camellias with azalea and rhododendron fertilizer in university extension publications, but they didn't say why not. I have included a link from the Camelia Society on fertilization which may help.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/growing-camellia-in-a-pot.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/caring-for-camellias.htm

https://www.americancamellias.com/care-culture-resources/general-culture-requirements/camellia-fertilization