Stewartia

FamilyTheaceae.

Origin. Japan.

Description. Stewartia is a low deciduous tree with a pyramidal crown or a multi-stemmed shrub. The trunk is covered with light brown smooth bark, which peels off and forms contrasting spots; young stems have slight pubescence. The leaves are green, lanceolate, with pronounced veins, 6 - 8 cm long, arranged alternately, in the fall they become burgundy and fall off. The leaf blades have small teeth along the edge. The flowers are white, axillary, solitary or in small apical inflorescences, up to 7 cm in diameter, with rounded corrugated petals and bright yellow stamens.

Height. In nature, this plant reaches a height of 10 - 15 m; in indoor cultivation, the dimensions of the bush are much more modest.

Stewartia

Care at home

Temperature conditions

During the growth period, the temperature should be 16 - 20 °C, the flower does not like strong heat. At higher temperatures, increase watering and increase air humidity. In autumn, when the leaves begin to fall, the temperature should be gradually lowered to 10 - 12 °C. In the winter months, it is in a dormant period, and the temperature should be cool, but do not expose the plant to temperatures below 7 °C.

Lighting

A well-lit place with shade on hot summer days. Can receive direct sunlight in the morning and evening. When the leaves fall, lighting will not play any role. If there is a lack of light, the plant will bloom reluctantly. 

Care

After flowering, formative pruning is carried out, with the help of which the trees are given a compact shape. Remove old and damaged branches in a timely manner.

Substrate

Nutritious soil with a high organic content and an acidic pH of about 6.0. The soil should contain pumice, perlite or coarse river sand to improve drainage. 

Stewartia

Feeding

During the growing season, stewartia responds positively to feeding. Use a water-soluble fertilizer for flowering plants every 2 weeks. Do not feed in winter. 

Purpose

The bush looks very attractive even when it does not bloom and sheds its leaves. Sometimes this species is used for growing in the bonsai style.

Flowering time

June July. 

Air humidity

Air humidity should be at least 50%. Use a room humidifier or place the plant pot on a tray of damp pebbles. Spray only with soft water at room temperature, being careful not to get it on flowers and buds. It is also necessary to ensure constant air movement around the plant, while avoiding cold drafts.  Keep the plant away from any heating devices. 

Stewartia

Soil moisture

Water deeply in summer using soft water, but allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. After flowering, reduce watering. 

Transfer

Young seedlings are repotted into larger pots about every 2 years. For larger tub plants, the topsoil is replaced with fresh soil each year. Use a time slot in the spring, just before growth resumes.

Reproduction

The propagation of stewartia is rather done by professionals. Representatives of this species are propagated vegetatively, by stem cuttings, pots with seedlings should be covered with glass to maintain humidity. Seeds are sown in spring.

Stewartia

Pests and diseases

Often the bush suffers due to mistakes in cultivation. Overwatering often leads to root rot, and the flower may die. If there is no rest period or not enough light, flowering will not occur. With overwatering, as well as with prolonged drought, Stewartia can shed buds. Chlorosis can occur when watering with tap water or growing in soil with an alkaline pH.

The most common pests are mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects.

Stewartia