If you are asking yourself, can I grow tea plants in containers? The answer is YES! They may require some special care but it is possible to grow this fabulous beverage making plant in a pot.
Tea plants make great container plants as they are one of the few plants that don't mind getting root bound. But there are some big requirements for the tea plants to keep them happy.
What is the best container size for a tea plant?
We recommend a container no smaller than 3 gallons. It can be bigger but no smaller.
What type of soil should you use for a tea plant?
A fast draining soil with high acidity is key for tea plants. Tea plants need a PH of 4.5 to 5.5. Tea plants can get root rot so getting them a good drink but having them dry out quickly is key. Timmy suggests adding some rocks to the bottom of your plant pot to prevent the holes in your containers from getting stopped up. A neutral soil will prevent tea plants from growing properly and impact the plants overall health.
What type of light does a tea plant need?
Tea does well in many types of lighting. They do great in full sun or part shade. If they will be inside, try to keep them in a window where they can get sunlight.
How often should you fertilize a tea plant in a container?
You will want to fertilize it 3 - 4 times a year during the active growing season. This can depend a bit on your region but here in Mississippi it is from April until October. Tea plants are heavy feeders and like a lot of nitrogen, along with other minerals. We feed tea plants a balanced fertilizer like Osmocote.
What kind of environment does a tea plant prefer?
Tea plants prefer a warm and humid environment. Hot and dry is not ideal nor is it too cold. Lengthy exposure to less than ideal temperature will impact the plants health and growth.
Tea plants love humidity. If you are growing your tea plant in the house, make sure to mist the tea plant multiple times a day. Heat and air conditioning can reduce the humidity in the home so make sure to mist to maintain the ideal humidity.
Can tea plants take a freeze?
A tea plant can take frost and a light short freeze ok. They would be happiest without any freezing though, especially in a container. If you are going to experience a freeze that is longer than one night, we would recommend bringing your tea plant into the house.
Do you need to prune your tea plant?
Yes, pruning is necessary. You will need to prune the plant and the roots eventually. Once the roots have pushed out all of the soil, you will want to prune back the roots to make room for soil again.
As for the plant itself, if you do not prune your tea plant it will grow into a tree. Pruning is a lesson in itself. Visit our blog page on tea plant pruning here.
How much tea can you get off one tea plant in a year?
1/2 pound of tea can be harvested in one year if you have taken good care of your tea plant.
Where do you get tea plants from?
If you are in our area you can call 601-823-4295 and make an appointment to visit the tea farm to buy one. The tea plants cannot be shipped though. Outside of Mississippi, search online or check with your local nurseries.
How are tea plants started?
Tea plants can be started from seed or from a cutting. More on this subject here.
Want to keep reading?
How to start a tea plant from seed
Are tea flowers bad for production?
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