Camellia Leaf Drop

[Neurosix]

I purchased this camellia at the Dallas bonsai convention and in the last week it has lost about 20% of its leaves. I know that relocating and changing light conditions will put stress on a tree and its not uncommon to lose a few leaves, but at what point should I be worried? I have not removed it from the pot to investigate that situation because I assume it has been happy in soil before I owned it and I didn't want to stress the plant any further. It appears to be in a mix of akadama, pumice, and some kind of unidentified soil.

Right now it receives about 2-3 hours of morning sun, then a further 4 hours of afternoon sun filtered through a shade cloth. I don't believe I have been under or over watering it. Is this plant particularly sensitive to either?

Unless you guys can think of something to do or to check I will probably just leave it alone and hope it is just adjusting to its new environment. I believe the vendor said it came from California, so maybe that's a factor too. Any ideas?

 

[0soyoung]

My camelias look pretty ratty in the spring until after they have bloomed. Then they start to extend new leaves and drop the ratty-looking old ones. The sequence might be somewhat diffrent in other climes.

If you don't see any new leaves or long pointy buds, your plant may be in serious trouble (sorry, I have no idea what that trouble and its remedy might be). But, if the leaf buds are there, I suggest that you just be patient. IMHO, camelias are pretty tough trees.

 

[Neurosix]

My camelias look pretty ratty in the spring until after they have bloomed. Then they start to extend new leaves and drop the ratty-looking old ones.

Ok thats good to hear. There are new leaves forming so thats probably what is happening. Thank you.