Why Are My Camellia Leaves Turning Brown?

Are there any small insects present on your camelia?

Does the plant look stunted, and have galls on roots?

Are there any yellowish-brown to rust-colored galls on the undersides of leaves?

Are your camellias growing in compacted soil or are you watering excessively?

Are your camelias placed in full sun?

Camellias may be infested with several species of scale insects. Scales cause a camellia’s leaves to wilt, turn yellow and drop. Severe infestations cause slow growth and may cause parts of the plant to die, leaving the dead brown leaves on the branches. Armored scales have a flat, plate-like cover over their body. Soft scales do not have this plate and may be smooth, cottony, or waxy. Cottony cushion scales have fluted, cottony white egg sac attached to their bodies. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.

Root-knot nematodes feed on camellia roots, causing the leaves to turn brown as swellings or galls prevent the uptake of food and water. Prevent root-knot nematodes by applying chitin or introducing parasitic nematodes to the soil before planting. Solarizing the soil also helps in preventing root-knot nematodes. Adding lots of compost to the soil will encourage fungi that attack nematodes.

Edema is a physiological disorder that typically develops during low temperatures, high humidity and soil moisture, and low nutrient levels. It causes yellowish-brown to rust-colored galls to form on the undersides of camellia leaves. These may take on a rough or corky appearance, but the damage is cosmetic. Edema does not typically threaten your camellia’s health. Reducing humidity and soil moisture and maintaining a proper fertilization program may be effective in correcting the problem.

Poor drainage and waterlogged soil can lead to camelia foliage turning brown and dying. Providing your camellia with well-drained soil and adequate water and nutrients can prevent browning.

Camellias growing in full sun or against a south- or west-facing wall are more likely to brown due to sunscald than those in a north- or east-facing location. Once leaves turn brown from sunscald, they will not recover, but new foliage should grow normally. Sunscald can be prevented by planting camellias in a location where they receive partial shade.

Drought is a common reason for camelias leaves to dry up and turn brown. Water your plants regularly, but make sure you are not overwatering.