How to treat Camellia with yellow leaves and white spots on trunk?

[bobzhangaus]

my Camellia has some issues, yellow leaves, and white spots on the truck. I have sprayed Yate liquid copper fungicide, can you guys help me check the problem for Camellia?

 

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @bobzhangaus,

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

The white spots on the tree appear to be lichen which is no cause for concern. If you wanted to remove it, you could simply rub it off with a brush, similar to how exfoliating your skin would work.

The yellowing of the leaves could be for a few reasons including nutrient deficiency, under watering and drainage issues.

I'd suggest inspecting the base of the tree to see if the soil is wet or dry. If the top 2-3cm of soil is bone dry, I would suggest giving the tree a good soak and then checking weekly for any change.

If the soil is sodden, then the issue could be to do with drainage. If this is the case, I would suggest carefully digging around the base of the tree with a garden fork and applying some compost such as this Osmocote 25L Scotts Compost Premium Soil Improver. This will help break up the soil, promoting drainage and microbial growth which will help the soil drain.

Finally, you should apply a general fertiliser such as Seasol 600ml Complete Garden Health Treatment to the base of the tree to increase the soil nutrients.

Allow me to tag @Noelle, our resident garden guru to see if they've got any further advice.

You can also check out How to diagnose a sick plant for some further guidance.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @bobzhangaus 

I agree with Jacobz diagnoses and suggestions, with the exception of breaking up the soil around the tree with a fork!  Camellias are surface-rooted and dislike any root disturbance, such as digging over and around their roots. They will often react quite badly. A very like raking of the soil to break up any surface crust is all that should be needed here, before mulching with a good compost. However, my guess would be pack of moisture, since the shrub is growing in a small bed surrounded by paving - that's not an ideal situation for a camellia.

The yellowing leaves may also respond to a dose of Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate). Dissolve a tablespoon or so in a 9L bucket of tepid water and irrighate over the roots. Magnesium deficiency often results in very yellow leaves, which your plant displays.

[bobzhangaus]

Hi Jacob,

thanks very much for your suggestion, I will follow your instructions.

Regards

bob

[bobzhangaus]

Hi Noelle,

got it ,thanks very much, I will try to process under your instructions.

Warm Regards

Bob

[JohnShaw]

My camellias have similar white spot as shown in the photos above but l don't have yellowing of the leaves. The plant looks heathy covered in buds but almost daily l have sections die back. I have no idea how to remedy this problem any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks John

[EricL]

Hello @JohnShaw 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

There could be a number of reasons you are having sections dies back, it's possible that part of the tree's root system has been damaged and is effectively trying to repair itself. It could be a sign that fungal infection is starting in the roots. Perhaps there is a lack of nutrients in the soil. Could be a pest infestation or borers. Can you please tell us what has been happening to your tree these past few months. Have you changed your watering schedule? Have fertilized recently? If you can provide a photo of the die back it will give our members a better idea of its condition.

Any extra information you can give us will allow us to give you a better diagnosis in regards to what's wrong with your tree.   

I suggest having a look at this guide - How to diagnose a sick plant by @Noelle.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Noelle]

Hi @JohnShaw 

As was mentioned in the earlier reply to @bobzhangaus , the white spots on the trunk are likely to be lichen which may be parasitic, extracting nutrients from the camellia. Lichen usually occur on the "side" of the trunk and branches sheltered from the weather and where light and air circulation around the plant ,may be low.

Trees can live for many years with lichen and not show major symptoms of suffering but opening up the area around the plant would certainly be beneficial.

[JohnShaw]

The camellias were planted about 20yrs ago with 6 plants a row, the die back been happening for the last few years. I have recently fertilised with camellia and azalea fertiliser and followed that up with some blood and bone. I have not changed the watering. See the attached photos. We are going overseas on Wednesday for a couple of weeks l will communicate were possible.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @JohnShaw,

It looks like the main branch in the first image has sustained significant damage, likely over several years. That section of the plant appears to have died off, and it may be best to remove it entirely. Given the extent of dieback, the overall health of the plant doesn’t look great, and it may be struggling to sustain itself.

It’s good that you’ve fertilised recently, but since this issue has been ongoing for a few years, there could be an underlying cause, such as root rot, fungal disease, or even borer activity. If you haven’t already, inspect the base of the plant for any signs of damage or decay. If the decline continues, you might want to consider replacing it. The camellia at the end of the row still looks quite healthy, which suggests it may be something affecting only certain plants rather than a widespread issue. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell