Repotting Camellia sinensis – the right care for your tea plant in a pot

Do you want your Camellia sinensis to grow healthy and strong? Regular repotting is essential. As a tea plant with sensitive roots, it needs not only sufficient space, but also the right substrate and thoughtful care. In this article, you'll learn step by step how to repot your tea plant correctly, which pot size is ideal, and which soil mix best supports the tea bush – for strong growth and aromatic leaves.

When should you repot a Camellia sinensis?
As a general rule, you should repot your tea plant every two to three years – more often for young plants. A clear sign is when the roots protrude from the bottom of the pot or the substrate barely absorbs water. Stagnant growth can also be an indication that the plant no longer has room to develop in the old pot.

Tip: The ideal time to repot is in early spring—between March and April—before the new growth period begins. At this time, the Camellia sinensis is particularly receptive and regenerative.

The right pot size – so much more is possible
A common mistake when repotting tea plants is over-dimensioning the pot. Less is more: Choose a new pot that's only 20–30% larger than the previous one. This keeps the substrate permeable, allowing the roots to grow evenly throughout the space without being left standing in wet, unused soil for too long—a common cause of root rot.

Example: Change from an 18 cm pot to a maximum of 22–24 cm. It's better to repot more often than to over-pot once.

The best substrate for your tea plant
Camellia sinensis prefers slightly acidic, loose, and humus-rich soil. In nature, it grows in well-drained, mineral-rich soils with a stable pH. For potted cultivation, a special mix is recommended:

- 80% of our special humic substrate rhododendron soil (pH 4.5–6.0)
- 20% perlite for drainage

Important: Do not use calcareous potting soil! The pH value should be below 6. Rainwater is ideal for watering to avoid altering the soil reaction.

Instructions: Repotting Camellia sinensis in 6 steps
Preparation
Choose a new plant pot with good drainage. Add a layer of expanded clay or lava rock at the bottom for drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Remove plant from old pot
Hold the root ball firmly and gently tilt the pot. If necessary, loosen the substrate with a wooden stick.

Carry out root control
Remove any dead or mushy roots with clean scissors. Healthy roots are white to light brown in color.

Add new soil
Add some fresh substrate to the drainage layer, plant the plant, and fill it all around with soil. Make sure the upper root collar remains exposed.

Press the substrate lightly
Don't tamp it down! The soil should remain loose so oxygen can reach the roots.

Water thoroughly
Use soft water (e.g., rainwater) and water thoroughly. Keep evenly moist over the next few days.

Care after repotting: What your tea plant needs now
In the first few weeks after repotting, your Camellia sinensis is particularly sensitive to drought and direct sunlight. Therefore, place it in a partially shaded location away from wind and blazing midday sun. Fertilize after about four weeks – ideally with an organic fertilizer for bog plants or at half strength.

Important: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Freshly repotted plants are particularly sensitive to extreme fluctuations.

Conclusion: With the right repotting to a vital tea plant
Regularly repotting your Camellia sinensis is essential if you want to harvest healthy and strong tea leaves over the long term. Make sure you choose the right pot size, the right substrate, and handle the roots gently – this will keep your tea plant vital and bring you years of enjoyment.

Whether on the balcony, the terrace or in the winter garden: Growing real tea in a pot also works in Germany – with a little know-how, some patience and a pinch of growing karma.