Japanese Camellia Camellia japonica L. 'Jupiter' Paul, 1904

Water

The Japanese camellia 'Jupiter' should be watered deeply and thoroughly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which is typically once a week. Use about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per watering session, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter conditions, less frequent watering is needed. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Light

Japanese camellia 'Jupiter' thrives in partial shade to light, filtered sunlight. The best spot for the plant would be in a location where it is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. An eastern or northern exposure that provides bright, indirect light is ideal for supporting the healthy growth of the camellia.

Temperature

Japanese camellia 'Jupiter' prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can typically survive minimum temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to cold or temperatures below this can be damaging. Ideal temperature conditions for this camellia are moderate, avoiding extremes of heat or cold.

Pruning

Prune the Japanese camellia 'Jupiter' to maintain shape and remove any dead or weak branches. The best time to prune is just after blooming has finished in late winter or early spring, as this avoids cutting off next year's buds. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to keep the plant healthy and well-structured.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the Japanese Camellia, the best soil mix is slightly acidic, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A mix of 1/3 pine bark, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 perlite or sand is ideal. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

The Japanese Camellia typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years. It's best to repot in the late winter or early spring before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese Camellias thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 40-60%. They benefit from a humid environment but do not tolerate stagnant moisture.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Japanese Camellia in bright, indirect light, away from drafts.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds, and mulch well.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Camellia japonica 'Jupiter' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in well-drained acidic soil and kept at appropriate temperatures, will germinate and sprout into a young seedling. The seedling grows gradually into a bushy shrub, with shiny, evergreen leaves that develop over several months. As the camellia matures, it enters a juvenile phase where the plant continues to grow in size and strength but does not yet flower. After a few years, typically between 2-5, the plant reaches maturity and begins its reproductive phase, producing large, ornate flowers that can range in color, often blooming in late winter to spring. Pollination occurs via insects such as bees, allowing for the formation of seeds, hence completing the reproductive cycle. Once it has flowered, it will enter a period of dormancy during the colder months before resuming growth in the spring, continuing this cycle for many years, often several decades.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Camellia japonica, commonly known as the Japanese camellia, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer after the new growth has begun to mature. You’ll want to cut a piece of semi-hardwood 4 to 6 inches long with several sets of leaves, making an angled cut just below a leaf node. It's crucial to dip the cut end in rooting hormone to enhance root development and then plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite to ensure good drainage. The pot should then be covered with plastic to maintain a humid environment and kept in bright, indirect light until rooting occurs, which usually takes several months. Maintaining a consistent temperature between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius) will provide an optimal environment for root growth.