I've been nurturing a Camellia bonsai for about three years now, and it's been quite a journey, especially with those tricky yellow leaves. I started with a 'Yuletide' Camellia, drawn by its striking red flowers with bright yellow stamens — truly a showstopper when it blooms. I had read about Camellias being finicky, but I wasn't fully prepared for the leaf drama.

Last spring, I noticed more yellow leaves than usual. I panicked a bit, thinking I was overwatering, which is a common mistake with Camellias. But after adjusting my watering schedule and seeing no improvement, I checked the soil pH. Turns out, the soil was more alkaline than these acid-loving plants prefer. I corrected this by repotting with a mix that included pine bark and some peat moss, and started using an acidifying fertilizer once a month. It was amazing to see how quickly the plant responded over the weeks — those healthy dark green leaves were such a relief.

This May, as buds are starting to swell, I'm also seeing a few yellow leaves again. This time, I'm suspecting it's a nutrient deficiency. I read somewhere that Camellias can be heavy feeders, especially when they're developing buds. I've just started using a slow-release fertilizer with a bit more nitrogen to give it a boost. It's been a balancing act because you don't want to overdo it, but I'm hopeful. Anyone else dealing with something similar? I'm curious how others approach fertilizing their Camellias during the spring.