For a few years now, I’ve been nurturing a tea plant. It sits in my kitchen bay window, doing its thing. Over the last year, it hasn’t been looking very good. Despite new shoots, it keeps losing leaves. I did a heavy pruning last winter and hoped for the best. As spring was approaching, I was delighted to see new shoots and leaves appear on the remains of my tea plant. It seemed to be reasonably happy over the summer but has been looking unhappy again in recent weeks. As I was doing the dishes this morning however, I focused my attention on the plant, trying to consider what other options might be reasonable to consider to bring this straggly looking plant back into health. You could have knocked me over with a feather when my gaze fell upon a beautiful flower! I was shocked to say the least. In my experience, plants don’t flower unless they’re healthy and vital.
I think perhaps the issue is about an indoor grown tea plant compared to one being allowed to live in the soil outdoors. Although I have adequate light for survival, the optimum temperature requirements must not be met. Has anyone been successful in growing a tea plant indoors in a residential setting? I suspect I’m expecting a bit too much from my little tea plant. Although I feel tremendously rewarded by this beautiful flower, the plant looks so unhappy the vast majority of time that I’m really ambivalent about how to continue. Or not. I’d value any suggestions you may have for me.
Image courtesy of contributor.
Unless you have a damp humid home environment your plant will not be truly happy. Flowering in tea is a sign of stress – so it is telling you “OK you ignored my leaves going brown and dropping off – now see this flower – it means I just want to produce a seed before I curl up my roots and die”.
Tea plants need: acid water, acid soil, well drained soil, no standing water, and humid air. They can withstand some shade. Happy up to 90 degrees (if humid) and go dormant below 50. Keep to the rules and they will flourish in a pot on your window sill
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your feedback Nigel. I will start by creating some humidity for my beloved plant by misting it regularly. I will also increase the acidity of the water I give it. I never over water or keep it in standing water so that one I did get right. I imagine it will go dormant in the winter so I’ll cut back on watering during that time. I’ll keep my eyes open for improvements. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom. I often name my favorite plants that are thriving – I think I’ll call this one Nigel!
Soooo beautiful, Michelle. Who knew??
Michelle, I’ve also been a parent to 2 tea plants here in Hood River. They don’t belong here, really–not the warm, humid climate they need, although the soils would suit. So I have them in pots, which I leave outside spring through fall, and bring indoors in the winter. One is male I think, and never blooms, the other is female and blooms profusely each year at this time. I do prune them both back in the spring when I put them outside, which encourages new growth. I’ve harvested a few leaves, but not made tea yet :). I think of the plants as pets, not expecting anything; I just don’t think our climate is right for them, since they can’t overwinter. But with climate change, who knows?
Great idea Anne. I’ll be sure to try that in the spring. Thanks for the advice.