Your tea plant likes a sunny spot. A bright, indirect sun location is ideal for Camellia sinensis. You should avoid direct midday sun, as the tea plant stops growing at temperatures above approximately 35°C, and the leaves can become sensitive.

Between 15 and 25°C is optimal. We grew all our plants from seed, which, thanks to their developed taproot, makes them more stable and less susceptible than tea plants grown from cuttings. In winter, the temperature should not fall below -15°C. However, if you grow your plant entirely indoors, please ensure that your Camellia sinensis does not have to withstand temperatures below +5°C.

Camellia sinensis likes high humidity. Place the plant on a saucer with water and pebbles, or use a humidifier to increase the humidity above 80% three to four times a day.

Camellia sinensis requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil, such as rhododendron soil or a mixture of potting soil and sand. In our shop, you'll also find the right soil, which we have successfully used to grow over 200,000 tea plants. The pot for your tea plant from Growing Karma should offer enough space for root growth, but not be oversized.

Water your tea plant regularly with low-lime water. Rainwater is ideal for this in our latitudes. The soil should always be evenly moist, but not wet. Camellia sinensis doesn't like waterlogging. Therefore, always allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

During the growing season from spring to fall, fertilize your Growing Karma tea plant every 2–4 weeks with a liquid fertilizer for acid-loving plants. In our shop, you'll find our recommended Biobizz fertilizers, which we've had excellent results with. In winter, fertilization should be reduced or stopped altogether.

Our tea plants prefer a sunny, preferably partially shaded location. This is the ideal location for your Camellia sinensis from Growing Karma, preferably under the shade of large trees to protect it from the blazing midday sun. A little bit of a slope won't hurt. All tea plants are sensitive to wind. To ensure you can enjoy your Camellia sinensis plant for a long time, you should protect it from strong winds.

Camellia sinensis requires well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Former pine forests, like the ones we find here in Brandenburg, are ideal. Heavy soils such as clay should be loosened with plenty of sand and compost. A layer of bark or fallen leaves helps retain moisture in the soil and reduce weeds.

Water your Growing Karma tea plant regularly, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept evenly moist. If you can, purchase a mist sprinkler and give the plant a little extra humidity in the morning and evening hours. Avoid waterlogging, as this can damage the roots.

To stimulate and support growth, it's helpful to fertilize your tea plants. Preferably in the spring with an organic fertilizer or a rhododendron fertilizer; you can find the appropriate Biobizz fertilizers in our shop. A second fertilization in the summer promotes flowering and supports the growth of the trunk and branches.

Your Growing Karma tea plant appreciates your attention. Therefore, remove any dead, damaged, or overly densely growing branches in the spring. A topiary cut can also be performed to keep the plant in shape. It's important that you establish apical dominance by pruning the main stem in the early years. This will ensure your Camellia sinensis becomes beautifully bushy and produces plenty of side shoots.

In areas prone to severe frost, you should cover your tea plant with a thick layer of mulch, hay, straw, or brushwood. Young plants can also be protected with garden fleece or plastic wrap. We've had great experiences with sheep's wool.

ATTENTION: In most cases, plants do not freeze in winter - they dry out - so make sure that your plant still has enough moisture.

The tea leaves from your plant can be harvested from spring to fall. Young, fresh leaves are best for making tea.

With proper care, Camellia sinensis is a long-lasting and robust plant that's not only decorative but also useful. Whether in a pot or in the garden, it will delight you with its attractive appearance and functionality!

If you do everything right, your tea plant will usually bloom in the fall and winter. During this time, it requires a little more attention. You can decide whether you want to keep the flowers for a Camellia sinensis flower tea, for example, or quickly remove them to encourage the plant to grow new shoots and leaves.

Watch for pests like aphids or spider mites, especially in dry conditions. Regular inspections help detect problems early. Since there are currently very few tea plants in Europe, we are fortunate enough to have few or no pests.