Stewartia ovata aka Mountain Stewartia

Taxonomy

Stewartia ovata, also known as mountain camellia, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub that belongs to the tea family, Theaceae. It is primarily found in the southern Appalachian Mountains and nearby regions from Mississippi to Virginia. Though not endangered, the plant is uncommon due to its limited range. Mountain camellia grows in the understory of hardwood forests and is often found near streams, generally below 800 m (2,600 ft) elevation. This plant has camellia-like flowers with five white petals and orange anthers that bloom in July, and its ovate to elliptic dark green leaves turn vivid shades of orange and red in the fall. The plant is related to Camellia, Franklinia, and Gordonia. Mountain camellia is easy to grow as a houseplant and requires regular watering and direct light. It prefers soil that is well-draining and does not need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Mountain Stewartia, Mountain Camellia

How to care for Mountain Stewartia

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Mountain Stewartia due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Mountain Stewartia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Mountain Stewartia 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 Mountain Stewartia prefers bright diffused 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.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Mountain Stewartia is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia