Camellia Flowers

Question

What causes the blooms to turn rusty before they have matured? Thanks.

Answer 1

It could be a few things. A lack of humidity may be making the blooms dry out prematurely. This would result in dry, brown blooms. You could have a fungus called rust. This would create a powdery, orangish dust on the blossoms and possibly the leaves. You may also have thrips. These attack the base of the flower and are hard to see, but would also make the blossoms fade to dry and brown.

If you suspect humidity, mist the plant or set some water near it to evaporate and raise the humidity. If you suspect rust fungus, treat the plant with a fungicide. If you suspect thrips, use a pesticide.