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Camellia oleifera
Camellia oleifera

Camellia oleifera

TAXONOMY

FamilyTheaceae
GenusCamellia
Zone7

ABOUT

Camellia oleifera, commonly known as the tea oil camellia, is a species of camellia native to China. It is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. This plant is valued for its seeds, which are used to produce tea oil, a popular cooking oil in China. It prefers temperate climates and has a dormancy period during the winter months.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Tea-Oil-Plant
Theopsis Banksiana
Camellia banksiana
Camellia biflora
Camellia drupifera f. biflora
Camellia obscura
Camellia oleifera var. oleifera
Camellia podogyna
Camellia sasanqua
Sasanqua oleifera
Tea oil camellia
Thea biflora
Thea oleifera
Theaphylla oleifera
Thea podogyna
Thea sasanqua var. loureiroi

OVERVIEW

WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature18° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH5.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Camellia oleifera requires bright, indirect light and should be kept in moderate temperatures. It thrives in high humidity and needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely. This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it prefers a stable environment with consistent care.
Soil
Camellia oleifera prefers well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. A slightly acidic pH is ideal for this plant. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Reduce the frequency of fertilization during the dormancy period in winter.
Repotting
Repot Camellia oleifera every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in the spring before the growing season begins.
Propagation
Camellia oleifera can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seed propagation should be done in the spring, while cuttings can be taken in late summer. Use a rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful propagation and plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix.
Pruning
Prune Camellia oleifera after it has finished flowering. Remove any dead or diseased branches and shape the plant to maintain its desired form. Regular pruning helps to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Toxicity
Camellia oleifera is not toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always a good idea to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to prevent any accidental ingestion.
Additional
Camellia oleifera is relatively easy to care for but requires consistent attention to its watering and light needs. It is also important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures and drafts. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
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How To Grow Camellia oleifera | EarthOne