Over time, your camellia is going to grow into a pretty impressive plant. While it might not reach massive shrub proportions right away, that original pot is eventually going to get way too cramped for its root system. To keep your *Camellia japonica* happy and thriving, repotting is a must. Here’s the lowdown on how to get it done right.
When and how often should you repot your Camellia japonica?
You don’t want to overdo it—repotting every three years is usually plenty. However, there are three main red flags that mean it’s time for a new home:
- The plant has outgrown its pot
- The soil is totally spent and lacks nutrients
- Pests have moved into the soil
The pot is too small
You’ll know your *Camellia japonica* is feeling cramped when you see roots starting to poke out of the drainage holes. When that happens, it’s definitely time for an upgrade.
Old soil
Camellias are hungry plants! They soak up a lot of nutrients, so refreshing the soil every now and then is essential to keep them fed.
Pests
Keep an eye out for the vine weevil. These pesky beetles love to set up shop in camellia soil, where their larvae snack on the roots. If you spot them, a soil change is non-negotiable.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you’re ready to repot:
Timing is everything
There are two ideal windows during the year to repot a camellia:
- In the spring, right after the flowers have faded
- In August, just as the new buds are starting to form
How to do it
- Gently loosen the root ball from the old pot.
- Carefully lift the camellia out.
- Give the roots a good look-over for any signs of rot.
- Trim away any damaged or unhealthy roots.
- Prune the root ball back by about an inch (2 cm).
- Place the camellia into its fresh pot and fill it in.
Pro Tip: Trimming the root ball slightly is a great way to manage the plant’s size and keep it from growing too fast for your space.
Choosing the right pot
Make sure you start with a clean, new pot that has a drainage hole at the bottom—good drainage is key! You only want to go up one size; the new pot should be just slightly larger than the old one.
Soil requirements
Camellias are “acid-loving” plants, meaning they thrive in soil with a low pH. You can pick up a specialized camellia or azalea potting mix at the garden center, or you can whip up your own DIY blend using:
- Peat (or a peat alternative)
- Pine bark/needle mulch
- Compost
- A little bit of loam
Whatever you use, make sure the soil is lime-free!
