Camelia Bush Problems

Climate Related Disorders

• Extreme cold cause camellia buds to drop before maturing into flowers. Too much sunlight causes sunburn and camellia leaves look weak with bronze patches. Providing shelter using branches or leaves during extreme climates prevents climate-related damage.

Chlorosis

• Chlorosis occurs in camellia bushes for many reasons. Some bushes suffer from a genetic condition called senescence resulting in chlorosis. Dehydration, excess waterlogging due to poor drainage and alkaline soils prevent the bush from getting the required iron and other nutrients from the soil. Proper watering, drainage and applying appropriate fertilizer solves some of the problems causing chlorosis in camellia bushes.

Blight

• When this disease affects camellia bushes, tiny, yellow spots appear and the leaves grow weak and start falling. A similar blight occurs on camellia flowers, causing dark spots on the flowers that spread, turning the entire flower brown. Pruning the infected area and removing plants around the bush enabling increased air circulation helps resolve the problems.

Dieback Stem Canker

• Dieback stem canker is a disease that causes the leaves to wilt and fall. The disease can spread and kill the entire plant. Pruning the total affected area helps to cure the plant.

Fungus

• Different fungi types attack the roots. An attack on the root is difficult to detect. By the time it is detected, the entire plant may have wilted. Prevent fungal attacks by providing proper drainage and avoiding waterlogged soil.

Pests

• Insects called tea scale feed on the plant juices present in camellia leaves. The adult insects' waxy coatings protect them from insecticides. Sticking double-sided tape around the stems of affected camellia bushes prevents the insects from reaching the leaves of the plants. Insecticide applications kill young insects before they develop the waxy coat.