Plant guide
Japanese camellia
Camellia japonica
Japanese camellia is non-toxic to cats. Prevent chewing, and keep fertilizers or plant treatments away from pets.
Non-toxic does not mean edible. Eating plant material can still upset your cat’s stomach.
What this guide covers: Camellia japonica only; the pictured flowers illustrate this species, not all plants called camellia.
Photo:
Photo details
Camellia japonica — Leaves and flower
By Scott Ackerman
License: CC BY 2.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
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Photo:
Photo details
Camellia japonica — Leaves and flower
By Scott Ackerman
License: CC BY 2.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
Japanese camellia plants
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Non-toxic does not mean edible. Chewing plants can still upset your cat’s stomach.
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Look for Camellia japonica and check the selected variety. Listings and availability can change.
Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Camellia japonica
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Not recorded
- Also known as
- No reviewed aliases available
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How to grow this plant
Camellia japonica only; the pictured flowers illustrate this species, not all plants called camellia.
- Light
- Medium indirect light
Shade to partial shade; shelter from drying winter wind.
- Watering
- Keep evenly moist
Maintain consistent moisture; drought and overwatering can affect buds.
- Temperature
- Temperature range not yet established
No preferred temperature range established; cold and exposure affect flowering.
- Humidity
No specific humidity target established.
- Potting
- Well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with an acidic pH.
- Through the year
- Prune just after flowering if needed; later pruning can remove next season's buds.
Growing-guide sources
- Camellia japonica ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-16
Camellia japonica only; the pictured flowers illustrate this species, not all plants called camellia.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-10-16. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Reviewed safety information
- Toxic principle
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
- Reported signs
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
Missing information is unknown. It should not be interpreted as an absence of risk.
Safe alternatives
No verified alternative recommendations are available for this guide.
Sources & review
- Japanese camellia: toxic and non-toxic plants ↗ASPCA · Accessed
Safety last reviewed .