How can I save my Camellia tree with spotted leaves?

[Ant1]

Hi Bunnings specialists,

Can anyone help me on  how I might be able to save this unhealthy Camellia trees? I have a couple of them in my garden and all others are healthy; only two trees that have brown spotted leaves and appears to be dying. The large one seems to have more serious problem. Also the leaves on the small one are more yellow than other trees. Can't see any visible pest on both of them.

Thank you so much for any help.

       

[JacobZ]

Hi @Ant1,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fabulous to have you join us.

I suspect that your plant might be lacking an essential nutrient, possibly iron or potassium. I'd suggest applying a fertilizer such as this Richgro All Purpose Gardenia Azalea And Camellia Fertiliser to the base of the affected plants to ensure they have the correct nutrients to thrive.

The browning and yellowing leaves could also be due to either over and underwatering. If you check the soil at the base of the trees, is it dry, or is it damp? 

If the soil is damp, adding organic matter such as this Richgro All Purpose Mushroom Compost will help with microbial growth and earthworm activity in the soil, breaking up the soil and promoting better drainage.

If the soil is extremely dry, altering the watering schedule is a good idea. Well established camelias should be water deeply once a week. At the end of the week, stick your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil is still moist, wait another day and check again before watering. If it is dry, give it a good water and repeat the process again next week. 

Allow me to tag @Noelle, our resident garden guru to see if she has any thoughts.

You might also like to check out Growing, Pruning and Caring for Camellias for some further guidance.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @Ant1 

I think Jacob is on the right track in thinking that the camellias' condition is due to cultural issues rather than disease or pest attack. He's given you some great advice to follow. Let us know if his thoughts improve the appearance of your plants.

[Ant1]

Thank you so much for you advice Jacob. The soil is quite damp maybe because of the recent weather in Melbourne. I’ll try the fertiliser and the organic matter you advised and see if the problem gonna be fixed. Thanks again.

[Ant1]

Thank you Noelle!