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Growing Your Green Tea: 23 Tips for Indoor Care

Notes

Green Tea, an evergreen shrub, can elevate the overall look and feel of any indoor garden because of its distinct features. It is bittersweet and moderately easy to care for.

We will cover all the dos and don’ts you need to know to keep your Green Tea happy. If you want to get yourself one, we have some options for you to explore. We’re also hashing out the origin and growth behavior of tea plants, so keep reading below while you have a nice cup of Tea!

What Is Green Tea?

Green Tea is bittersweet and popular nowadays because it can reduce inflammation and help fight cancer. It has open-leaf, flaky, twist, sword, or ball-shaped and glossy dark green leaves or bright green leaves.

It is commonly known as Camellia Sinensis, Camellia Thea, and Chinese Tea, and it is a perennial from the Theaceae family.

When Green Tea is placed outside, its most ideal locations are hardiness zones 7-9.

Origin And Family

Camellia sinensis is among the genus Camellia and the family Theaceae. It comes from China. This bittersweet plant, discovered in 2732 B.C by Emperor Shen Nung, has become a favorite among houseplant collectors in recent years.

Where To Buy

Green Tea is an excellent addition to any garden, and we’ve had great benefits buying one online. You may try to visit your local nursery, but if you want to pick and acquire plants from the solace of your own home, be sure to check out Etsy.

Green Tea Plant Size

Green Tea grows to a height of 6-8 feet. It grows at a slow rate and thrives in bright indirect light instead of full sun exposure.

Green Tea Care Needs

Most plants are easy to grow with the proper care, and this includes Green Tea.

Known for its ability to reduce inflammation and help in fighting cancer, it prefers sun and acid soil with organic matter.

When watering this small tree, give it a drink when the top of the soil has dried. Like most plants, you want a large hole in your pot.

Read on for more Green Tea details.

Plant GuideCare Specifics
Botanical NameGreen Tea
Common Namecamellia sinensi, camellia thea, Chinese tea
Plant FamilyTheaceae
OriginChina
Plant Typeperennial
Leaf Shapeopen-leaf, flaky, twist, sword, or ball
Leaf Colordark green
Recommended Home Placementbright indirect light
Growth Rateslow
Lightsemi-shade
Soilwell-drained and sandy soil that is on the acidic side
When To WaterWater when the soil has dried.
When To Fertilizeonce during the vigorous stem and leaf growth period during growing season
Preferred pH4.2-5.0
Humidity Rangearound 85%
Toxic To Pets?No
Common Pests & Diseasesspider mites, brown tips, white flied, scale insects, yellow leabes, root rot, drooping leaves

Care Difficulty

Green Tea is moderately easy to care for in most situations, assuming you have the right amount of humidity and amount of water. With this Camellia Sinensis guide, you’ll be able to easily grow this bittersweet plant.

Growth Rate

The growth rate of Chinese Tea is slow. Indoors, it will reach a mature height of about 6-8 feet.

Potting

For potting requirements, you can go for a small or medium-sized pot. An essential requirement is that the pot should have at least one drainage hole. Leaving your Camellia Sinensis in wet soil for extended periods of time could kill your plant.

Repotting

It is a good idea to move your plant to a larger pot once it grows to a certain size in order to keep it healthy. When the root ball grows out of the drain hole or water runs right through the pot and out the drain hole, you’ll know that it’s time to repot.

On average, Green Tea grows at a slow pace. Soil will ultimately lose its natural nutrient components over time, so it’s better to add some well-draining and sandy soil that is on the acidic side when you’re repotting.

Soil

A well-drained and sandy soil that is best for Camellia Thea. Organic matter is the ideal component for the soil. Aeration and drainage are requisite for this plant which is moderately easy to care for.

Here are some excellent growing medium options to choose from:

Photo Title Price Buy
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting...image Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Grows beautiful Houseplants, 6 qt. (2 Pack) $13.42 ($0.03 / Ounce)
Burpee, 9 Quarts...image Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant $12.99 ($0.04 / Ounce)
Sun Gro Horticulture...image Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1310102 Purpose Potting Soil With Control, Brown/A $14.95 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix,...image Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, Potting Soil for Outdoor and Indoor Plants, Enriched with Plant Food, 2 cu. ft. $34.65
FoxFarm Ocean Forest...image FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants | Plant Fertilizer | 12 Quarts | The Hydroponic City Stake $23.99 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)

pH

pH for this plant should be around 4.2-5.0, meaning your Chinese Tea likes acidic soil. If you’re repotting periodically or adding fresh soil regularly, pH level isn’t as important as it is if you’re growing this plant outdoors.

Water

Proper watering is a vital factor for houseplants. Too much, you may attract diseases such as fungal infections and root rot. Too little, on the other hand, and the plants may wind up with browning, undernourished tea leaves. For optimal health, Camellia Sinensis generally prefers good soil.

One way to check for the moisture is to simply stick your finger in the pot. When the soil has dried, it’s time for you to give your plant a drink.

Camellia Sinensis requires drainage holes and aerated soil. As a general rule, you don’t want your plant to sit in water for a lengthy amount of time.

Light

Green Tea prefers partial shade for approximately 6 hours daily. Keep in consideration that you’re attempting to replicate its growing conditions in the subtropical climate of China. In most cases, placing this plant in bright indirect light works fine.

Avoid putting your Green Tea in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is ideal for the tea camellia plant. During the spring, when the growing season starts, or early summer, feed your plant once during the vigorous plant stem and leaf growth period.

Growth naturally slows down in winter, so you don’t need frequent watering.

Propagating Green Tea

Reproducing your Green Tea can be done with the right propagation method. Below are some options to choose from, along with detailed instructions to help you out.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Stem cuttings planted in the soil is an easy way to propagate your Camellia Sinensis. Propagate your Green Tea when it’s actively growing during early spring or after the first frost has passed.

1. Cut it. Find a healthy section of your Green Tea – new growth is ideal. Make a cutting at least three inches long with visible nodes. Use sterilized scissors.

2. Plant it. Place the Green Tea cutting in damp soil with the nodes buried. Then, with your fingers, press the dirt around the baby Green Tea’s stem to hold the cutting in place.

3. Maintain it. Water the soil and keep it moist to encourage faster rooting. Keep the Green Tea near a window in bright, indirect sunlight.

4. Wait it out. After 2-3 weeks, you should see new buds on the top leaves of the Green Tea. This means that your Camellia Sinensis cutting has rooted!

Air Layering Technique

Air-layering stimulates root growth before the chosen section is cut off from the mother plant. It’s said to have higher success rates than other propagation methods.

Follow these steps to air-layer your Chinese Tea:

1. Choose a healthy section. Find the section of the stem with at least one node that you want to propagate.

2. Wrap the stem. Wrap the node in sphagnum peat moss. Coco coir is a good alternative too. Use cling wrap and tape to secure the substrate.

3. Wait for roots. Keep the substrate moist until you see roots poking through. You may need to wait a few more weeks to let the roots develop.

4. Cut and plant. When you are confident with the root growth, cut off the propagated section below the wrapped node. Don’t forget to remove the clingwrap before planting into the soil!

Humidity And Aeration

Green Tea is a nutty perennial that prefers high humidity– often between around 85%.

If you see browning edges on your plant’s leaves, consider these options for increasing humidity:

• Gather your houseplants close to each other to create a humidity bubble.

• Purchase a humidifier.

• Set your pots on top of a tray filled with pebbles and water. This will produce vapor around your plant.

• Mist your plant but not too often, or you might invite fungal diseases.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for your Chinese Tea is between 55-90 degrees Fahrenheit. This bittersweet houseplant will appreciate being kept in average temperature locations.

More importantly, avoid any rapid spikes or drops in temperatures. When watering your Chinese Tea, do not use cold or hot water so its roots won’t go into shock.

Non-Toxic

Camellia Thea is not deemed toxic to humans, dogs, or cats! This means it’s a fantastic selection for your home, whether you have pets or not.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Here are some easy tips for curing common ailments, as well as some general suggestions to keep this plant healthy.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are an undesirable yet common problem on houseplants, especially Chinese Tea. Spider mite damage appears as little brown or yellow marks on your plant’s leaves. When the infestation is extensive, fine, sticky webs teeming with red bugs may be visible.

To displace the spider mites, begin by thoroughly washing off every nook and cranny of your Chinese Tea. You will need to conduct this in a sink,a tub, or outdoors. If that is not enough, suffocate the spider mites with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil.

If you have more indoor plants, you might need to quarantine your sick plants while you’re getting the spider mite population under control.

White Flies

Whiteflies are closely related to mealybugs, scales, and aphids and can be distinguished as a cloud of white flakes rising into the air when they are disturbed.

Their larvae will consume the sap of your Camellia Sinensis, causing serious leaf damage. Whiteflies are typically gray-white, triangular, and moth-like looking.

In the case of a severe infestation, apply an insecticidal soap (or make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of Castile soap with 1 quart of water). The soap will eliminate the eggs, larvae, and adults. To prevent a burn, apply when the day is at its coolest and repeat as necessary.

Scale Insects

Scales are sap-feeding insects that live on plants. The adult scale will attach to one portion of the plant and remain there, which distinguishes them from other bugs. Armoured scales are brownish lumps that can form on the stems or petioles of plants.

To stop scales from latching onto your Green Tea, combine one teaspoon of neem oil and 500 mL of water, then spray it on the leaves of your plant.

You may also deploy ladybugs or lacewings near your affected plant to deal with the situation for you!

Brown Leaf Tips

A common reason for browning edges on your Camellia Sinensis’ leaves is the build-up of salts and minerals in the soil. This typically happens if you apply too much fertilizer or if you use chemically-treated tap water.

Another reason for browning leaf tips is the lack of moisture. Water your plant appropriately, and improve your indoor humidity.

Drooping Leaves

The leaves of your Green Tea might start to droop if it’s not getting enough amount of moisture and light that it requires. See our Water and Light segments above to find care practices suggested for your plant.

Low humidity is another cause of drooping leaves, so be aware of the humidity levels in your area and make sure they match your plant’s demands.

Yellow Leaves

Multiple factors can cause the leaves of a Camellia Thea to become yellow. One possibility is that it doesn’t get enough sunlight. It could also be that the plant gets too much or too little water.

Yellow leaves should be pruned to encourage new growth and prevent the spread of deterioration. Besides, they can be unattractive and worrying to look at. Simply trim the leaves off with a sharp, sterile pair of shears.

Root Rot

Root rot is a prevalent cause of death for Chinese Tea. When the soil is overly compact, it will be water-logged and in the end, rot the roots of your plant. Since this disease is difficult to fade away, prevention is the best course of action.

The easiest way to prevent root rot is to reduce the amount and frequency that you water your Camellia. Before watering your plant, always check to see if the first 3 inches of the soil are dry. If not, your plant can most probably wait a little longer!

In terms of potting material, porosity is a property that allows air to pass through and dry the soil while also allowing excess moisture to escape. Porous pots can be made of clay, baked terracotta, ceramic (unglazed), or concrete. Make sure you choose one that has drainage holes at the bottom!

Similar Plants

Love camellia sinensis? Here are a few comparable plant options you should try:

Matcha – Camellia sinensis, the tea plant, is used to make Matcha. In two Japanese prefectures—Nishio in the Aichi prefecture and Uji in Kyoto—Tea is principally farmed for Matcha.

Black Tea – Black Tea is often made from a larger-leafed variety of the tea plant called Camellia sinensis assamica. It comes from the Indian state of Assam, where it thrives in subtropical woods and warm, humid temperatures.

White Tea – From the Camellia sinensis plant, White Tea is produced. When they are covered with tiny white hairs and just beginning to open, the plant’s leaves and buds are harvested.

Conclusion

With its ability to reduce inflammation and help in fighting cancer, Green Tea is an ornamental plant that looks stunning indoors. Tea lovers and tea fanatics should start planting tea shrubs and experience the taste of real Tea. You won’t need a large garden as a small shrub would suffice! If you follow our care instructions, you’ll have no trouble growing this plant.

Have you got a Camellia Sinensis? We want to see it! Please submit photos to [email protected] so that we can share them on our blog.

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