By Scotkat
Angus, Scotland
How do you keep camelia leaves glossy?
- 2 Oct, 2015
Answers
They should have a natural sheen, unless you've not had rain for weeks and they've got a bit 'dusty'. If your leaves are on an outdoor plant in the ground, and they're looking dull, there might be a problem of some sort.
3 Oct, 2015
Ok now its in a large pot in conservatory.
It got a good feed today and put outdoors to give leaves a good drench in rainwater.
3 Oct, 2015
Which camellia is it - they don't all have glossy leaves. Not sure that keeping one in a conservatory is a good idea - unless you've landed on one that isn't fully hardy but I would have thought that even in Scotland outdoor temperatures would still be warm enough.
4 Oct, 2015
Urbanite this one is Ruby Wedding Cameila a gft we got in June and dont want to loose it.
I have 1 camelia in the ground but we get harsh cold winters and I protect it with fleece.
This has been outdoors but now in conservatory.
4 Oct, 2015
it's borderline late for feeding (Trehane's camellia focus is formulated for use up to September) - late feeding will just encourage soft growth that won't harden off.
I suspect that it is just a bit too warm and the wrong sort of light (electric instead of natural). Ruby Wedding is fully hardy in UK (well below freezing). I'd be inclined to leave it outside for a while yet with some screening to keep the wind off.
4 Oct, 2015
You've done the right thing bringing it inside, Scotkat, this one's only moderately hardy in an 'average' winter.
You could try the old fashioned milk and water treatment - mix equal parts milk and water, support the leaf and wipe over gently with a cloth soaked in the mixture. But first make sure there's no dust or residue on it by brushing the leaves with an old make up (blusher) type brush, or something similar, again, supporting each leaf as you do it. Best to start from the top and work down with both these procedures!
If you're intending to put it back out next year when the weather improves, don't feed any more until April.
4 Oct, 2015
Thankyou so much Bamboo its too presious to loose.
I shall try your method for the leaves.
Thankyou once again.
4 Oct, 2015
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Mine are ok. It is planted next to the rainwater butt.
I just slosh a bucketful of water on it 3 times a week.
3 Oct, 2015