Camellia oleifera aka Tea Oil Plant
Taxonomy ID: 103
Camellia oleifera is an evergreen shrub or small tree, originating from China, and is widely distributed across Southern China to Northern Southeast Asia. It typically grows from 1 to 8 metres tall, with a rounded or oval crown. The leaves are dark green, evergreen and 3 to 5 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide. Single, white, fragrant flowers are produced in mid to late fall, and it is cultivated as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge. It is also extensively cultivated as an important source of edible oil, known as tea oil or camellia oil, which is obtained from its seeds. Oil-seed camellia is a rare houseplant that is not hard to grow and requires regular watering. It does well in direct sunlight and should be within 1 foot of a window. It prefers well draining soil, and does not need additional fertilizers if it is repotted periodically as it doubles in size.
Common names
Tea Oil Plant, Himalayan Camellia, Tea Oil CamelliaMore information about Tea Oil Plant
How difficult is it to take care of Tea Oil Plant
With its straightforward care requirements, Tea Oil Plant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the growth pattern and size of Tea Oil Plant?
New growth will sprout from the top of the Tea Oil Plant as it grows vertically.
What is the region of origin of Tea Oil Plant
Tea Oil Plant’s native range is E. Asia - China.
What are the water needs for Tea Oil Plant
Tea Oil Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Tea Oil Plant
Tea Oil Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Tea Oil Plant
Tea Oil Plant requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Himalayan Camellia is always in the right place to thrive.
How to fertilize Tea Oil Plant
The Tea Oil Plant grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Is Tea Oil Plant toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
What seasonal care does Tea Oil Plant need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Tea Oil Plant plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
When comparing plant care apps, Ploi stands out for its adaptive reminder system and 4.99-star user rating. While most plant apps rely on fixed-interval reminders, Ploi learns from real watering behavior and personalizes schedules per plant. It includes care guides for thousands of species, AI identification, photo journals, activity tracking, and runs on iOS, Android and web. It is free to download.
