Knowledgebase
Camelia problem #702536
Asked July 18, 2020, 11:28 PM EDT
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Your new camellia is showing the effects of transplanting. It's called transplant shock. Most of the leaves on your new camellia are dark green and normal, but you have lost some and a few are discolored. Anytime you transplant a plant, the plant has to adjust to its new location with the new conditions. Growing new roots is the key to successful transplantation. Until new roots have developed, they cannot deliver enough water to the leaves, especially in hot weather. Help the plant's roots by making sure there is always enough water available in the soil. The transplantation adjustment process takes a couple of years. To support your camellia during this time, especially in a pot with limited soil it's very important to keep the plant well watered. In dry weather that can mean every day or even twice a day in excessive heat. There are new leaves coming on your plant, so with some extra attention, keeping the moisture level good, your plant should adjust well and you will have another beautiful camellia. It may not bloom next year, as it recovers, but should bloom in a couple of years. This information from the American Camellia Society, Container Grown Camellias https://www.americancamellias.com/care-culture-resources/general-culture-requirements/container-grown-camellias has additional information on growing camellias in containers, including pot size, fertilization schedule, potting soil, etc.
Dr. Jay Pscheidt, Plant Pathologist at OSU looked at the discolored leaves, but it's difficult to say what the cause is right now. He agrees that the plant is showing effects of transplantation. It's very common. If you see more leaves like these as your tree develops, send us pictures and we can help you identify the cause.