Hey there, I've been nurturing a camelia bonsai for about two years now. It's a 'Kanjiro' variety, and I'm seeing something I didn't expect. It's May, so I was hoping to see it flower, but a lot of the buds are falling off before they get the chance to bloom. Super frustrating.

Last year it had some beautiful pink flowers, but this spring, it's just not playing ball. I keep it on a bench in my little backyard where it gets morning sun but stays shaded in the afternoon. I'm watering it regularly, and I haven't changed my routine much since last year. Used the same type of fertilizer, too, a slow-release one just as the dormancy period ended.

I've read that inconsistent watering or even a sudden shift in temperatures can cause bud drop, but I'm scratching my head here. The weather's been pretty mild. Maybe I'm overwatering? Anyone else had this happen with camelias? Maybe it's just being temperamental this year. Would love to hear if anyone has some tips or similar experiences.