Japanese Camellia Camellia japonica 'Onetia Holland'

Water

Japanese camellias, including 'Onetia Holland', prefer consistent moisture and should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically equates to about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. During the growing season in spring and summer, this may mean watering every 5 to 7 days, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. In the cooler months of fall and winter, watering can be reduced to every 10 to 14 days. It's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so always check the soil moisture before watering.

Light

Japanese camellias like 'Onetia Holland' thrive best in partial shade where they can receive filtered sunlight. An ideal spot is under the high, dappled light of taller trees or on the north or east side of a building. Direct afternoon sunlight can be too intense and may cause leaf scorch, especially in hotter climates. However, they require some light to flower well, so avoid deep shade locations.

Temperature

Japanese camellias, such as 'Onetia Holland', are hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9 and can typically withstand minimum temperatures of 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. They perform ideally in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they may struggle or sustain damage if temperatures drop below freezing for prolonged periods or exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit during their blooming period.

Pruning

Prune Japanese camellias such as 'Onetia Holland' to maintain their shape and promote air circulation within the plant, which helps prevent disease. The best time to prune is after blooming, before the new buds set for the next season, typically late winter or early spring. Thin out crowded branches and cut back any leggy growth or dead wood. This usually needs to be done annually or as necessary if the plant becomes overgrown or misshapen.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Japanese Camellia 'Onetia Holland' thrives in well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A suitable soil mix can be made by combining equal parts of peat moss, pine bark, and coarse sand or perlite, ensuring proper aeration and drainage to prevent root rot. Regular mulching with organic matter like pine needles can help maintain soil acidity and moisture.

Repotting

Japanese Camellias like 'Onetia Holland' typically need repotting every 2 to 3 years, preferably in the spring before the growing season starts. This schedule helps to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth, however, older plants may be repotted less frequently if they are in large containers and not root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese Camellia 'Onetia Holland' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 80%. These conditions mimic their natural humid, woodland habitats. Supplemental humidity can be provided by a pebble tray with water or a humidifier if indoor air is too dry.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in indirect light, high humidity, and acidic soil.

• Outdoor

  Place in partial shade, shelter from cold winds, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Camellia japonica 'Onetia Holland', commonly called Japanese camellia, begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in a well-draining soil mix; germination may take several weeks to months. After germination, the seedling stage occurs, marked by the growth of the first true leaves, and it requires shade and protection from elements. As it matures into a young plant, the camellia undergoes a vegetative stage characterized by the development of a strong root system and foliage expansion. Transitioning to the adult stage, the Japanese camellia will exhibit substantial bushy growth and begin to flower, typically during late winter to early spring, showcasing attractive pink, red, or white blossoms. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into seed capsules which ripen by late summer or fall, completing the reproductive cycle. After several years, as long as conditions allow, the plant gradually reaches senescence where growth slows, and it may become less prolific in flowering before eventually dying.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Japanese camellia, specifically the 'Onetia Holland' variety, is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is favored for its efficiency and reliability. Ideally, the propagation time is in late summer to early fall, when the current year's growth has begun to mature. To propagate, cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section from a healthy branch, making sure to include at least two to three sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least one set of leaves remains above the soil surface. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, indirect light until roots have developed and it can be transplanted.