Tea plants require consistent moisture, especially during their active growing season from spring to autumn. The soil should be kept evenly moist but never waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage.

Reduce watering slightly during cooler, less active periods, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out before rewatering.

Pruning is essential for maintaining the desired size and shape of the tea plant, and for encouraging new flushes of growth for harvesting. Light tip pruning can be done regularly to promote bushiness.

For tea production, prune to maintain a convenient harvesting height. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and plant health.

Camellia sinensis can be propagated from seeds, though germination can be slow and variable. More commonly, it is propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn.

Cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long, with a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining, moist medium under high humidity.

Young tea plants grown in containers should be repotted every 1-2 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh, acidic potting mix.

Mature plants may only need repotting every 3-5 years, or simply a top-dressing of fresh soil. Repotting is best done in early spring before new growth begins.

Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.