Camellia oleifera aka Tea Oil Plant

Taxonomy

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

How to care for Tea Oil Plant

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Tea Oil Plant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Tea Oil Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Tea Oil Plant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

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.

Toxicity

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.

Fertilizer

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.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Tea Oil Plant as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Tea Oil Plant’s native range is E. Asia - China.


More info:
Wikipedia