Camellia sinensis
TAXONOMY
FamilyTheaceae
GenusCamellia
Zone7
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Camellia sinensis, commonly known as the tea plant, is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Theaceae. Native to East Asia, it is the source of tea leaves used to produce green, black, white, and oolong teas. The plant thrives in subtropical climates and can grow up to 3 meters in height. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces fragrant white flowers. The plant undergoes a dormancy period of about 2 months during the winter.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Arbre Th
Black Tea
Tea
Teabush
Tea Plant
Th
Thier
Camellia arborescens
Camellia bohea
Camellia chinensis
Camellia formosensis
Camellia longlingensis
Camellia oleosa
Camellia sinensis f. macrophylla
Camellia sinensis f. parvifolia
Camellia sinensis f. rosea
Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
Camellia sinensis var. waldenae
Camellia thea
Camellia thea var. bohea
Camellia thea var. stricta
Camellia thea var. viridis
Camellia theifera var. macrophylla
Camellia viridis
Camellia waldenae
Thea bohea
Thea bohea var. stricta
Thea cantoniensis
Thea chinensis
Thea formosensis
Thea grandifolia
Thea latifolia
Thea olearia
Thea oleosa
Thea parvifolia
Theaphylla anamensis
Theaphylla cantoniensis
Theaphylla laxa
Theaphylla viridis
Thea sinensis
Thea sinensis var. macrophylla
Thea sinensis var. parvifolia
Thea stricta
Thea viridis
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity70%
GDD5,475
Dormancy2 Months
pH5.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Camellia sinensis requires bright, indirect light and moderate temperatures. It prefers high humidity and should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely. The plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it should be protected from direct, harsh sunlight.Harvest
Camellia sinensis, commonly known as the tea plant, is typically harvested when the new leaves and buds are young and tender. The best time to harvest is during the flushes, which occur in the spring and summer. The first flush, known as the 'first flush,' is highly prized for its delicate flavor. Harvesting is done by hand-picking the top two leaves and a bud, which ensures the highest quality tea. It is important to avoid damaging the plant during harvest to ensure continued growth and productivity. After harvesting, the leaves undergo various processes such as withering, rolling, and drying to produce different types of tea.Soil
The tea plant prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH. A mix of loam and organic matter works well. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 4-8-4. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and leaf production.Repotting
Repot Camellia sinensis every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one and ensure it has good drainage. Repot in the early spring before new growth begins.Propagation
Propagate the tea plant through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cuttings in a humid environment until they establish roots.Pruning
Prune Camellia sinensis in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Remove any dead or diseased branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.Toxicity
Camellia sinensis is not toxic to pets or humans. However, consuming large quantities of tea leaves can cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to the caffeine content.Additional
To enhance the flavor of the tea leaves, consider growing the plant in a slightly shaded area. This mimics the natural growing conditions of high-quality tea plants and can improve the taste of the harvested leaves.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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