The main overwatering camellias symptoms include yellow leaves that drop and wilting in wet soil. Fungal growth on the soil surface is another red flag. Your plant looks sick even though you keep watering it. These signs mean the roots are drowning.
I killed my first camellia by loving it too much with the watering can. The leaves turned yellow and fell off one by one. I kept adding more water thinking it was thirsty. The plant died within two months because I didn't know what was wrong.
Yellow leaves causes can be tricky since many problems look the same at first. Too much water makes leaves drop from the bottom up. The leaves turn pale yellow before falling off. Dry plants show brown crispy edges instead of full yellowing.
Root rot signs become clear when you dig down and check the roots yourself. Healthy roots look white or tan and feel firm to the touch. Rotted roots turn dark brown or black and feel mushy or slimy. The smell of rotting tissue tells you the problem has gone too far.
Waterlogged soil plants can't breathe because water fills all the air spaces in the soil. Roots need oxygen just like leaves do. Without air pockets in the soil, the roots suffocate and start to die. Dead roots can't absorb water, so your plant wilts even in wet soil.
My neighbor saved her overwatered camellia by acting fast when she spotted the signs. She stopped watering for three weeks and poked holes in the soil with a stick. The extra air pockets helped dry things out. Her plant bounced back within two months.
Check your soil moisture before every watering by sticking your finger 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry. Most camellias need water once a week at most. Container plants may need more frequent checks since pots dry out faster than ground soil.
Fix drainage problems if water pools around your camellia after rain. Add organic matter to clay soil to improve structure. Raise the planting bed or move your camellia to higher ground. Good drainage matters more than any other factor for keeping camellias healthy.
Repot container camellias if root rot has taken hold and the plant still has healthy tissue. Trim away all the soft brown roots with clean pruners. Use fresh potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Water sparingly until new root growth starts in a few weeks.
Read the full article: Camellia Plant Care: Complete Growing Guide
