Camellia multinervis Plant Care

Camellia multinervis (Polyspora multinervis) belongs to the Theaceae family within the Polyspora genus. Camellia multinervis is native to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Camellia multinervis is also known as Stewartia multinervis.

Camellia multinervis displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Camellia multinervis produces showy, fragrant white or pink camellia-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Camellia multinervis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Camellia multinervis thrives in filtered sunlight to partial shade. Avoid placing Camellia multinervis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Polyspora multinervis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Camellia multinervis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Camellia multinervis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Camellia multinervis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with filtered sunlight to partial shade and well-draining acidic soil with high organic content, such as a mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Camellia multinervis is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Camellia multinervis can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Camellia multinervis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Camellia multinervis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Camellia multinervis can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to polyspora ceylanica plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Camellia multinervis is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Camellia multinervis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Camellia multinervis is native to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. In cooler regions, grow Camellia multinervis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.