One especially attractive tropical plant, the China Doll Plant (Radermachera sinica) has become very popular among indoor plant collectors. It’s indigenous to Southern China and Taiwan, and it has the most wicked glossy dark green leaves, and it’s just so fragile.
It would be the perfect plant for the novice gardener or maybe even the advanced one, because it thrives indoors, but only if it’s kept in the right environment. This article will discuss the care and cultivation of the China Doll Plant and provide some pointers on how to make it thrive in your home.
What is the China Doll Plant?
It is called a China Doll Plant, and it is a member of the Oleaceae family(which includes the olive tree), and it is native to East Asia. It is native to the tropical and subtropical zones and it flourishes in a hot humid environment. China doll, in English it means graceful leaves, but it is called china doll because the leaves are so delicate like china porcelain.
It has very glossy, lance shaped leaves, it can grow tall and graceful or short and bushy, the China Doll Plant. It would be such a great indoor plant, it’s so easy to grow I’m sure it could survive just about anywhere and be perfectly happy.
Ideal Growing Conditions for the China Doll Plant
China Doll Plant has to be in it’s tropical environment to grow. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Light Requirements: The China Doll Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Just as much not as bright and it will just grow a lot slower, and prolly not as green. In not a window with direct light because then the leaves will burn, but some kind of shade would be nice.
- Temperature and Humidity: The China Doll Plant is a tropical plant and likes it a little bit warmer, 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius). Not cold not near a fan or AC. And because it is an humidity loving plant and will do best in humidity levels of 50% or more. If your house is somewhat dry you can buy a humidifier or you can just put the plant in a tray full of rocks and fill the tray with water.
- Soil: The soil for the China Doll Plant should be well drained and contain lots of organic matter. Any old potting soil from a regular houseplant will work, with a little extra perlite or sand mixed in. And to see that the soil is just moist enough but not too wet, because then the plant will develop root rot.
How to Care for a China Doll Plant
The china doll plant and it takes up so much work to be so healthy and so beautiful. Here are some essential tips:
- Watering: Oh well the china doll plant enjoys it’s soil being constantly wet but it doesn’t care for it’s “feet” being wet. And if the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, then water the plant. Well, over water is fine, and just let the excess water leak out of the pot. No no no don’t put it in a bowl of water then it gets root rot.
- Fertilizing: China Doll Plant is a big eater when it is growing so it should be fed often during the growing season which is from spring to fall. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Soil should be fertilized once a month to promote growth. Although not as much during the winter because it becomes dormant then.
- Pruning: The china doll plant is needing a haircut before it gets all out of shape and size. And even if it starts getting all spindly and gangly looking just cut the stems back and it will branch out and fill in more. Then there is the pruning so that the plant doesn’t get top heavy and tip over in its pot.
- Repotting: China doll plant should be repotted about every 1-2 years, or whenever the roots have basically out grown the pot. Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter so that the roots will have room to expand. But then again, repotting is done in the spring or early summer, when the plant is in its greatest growing period.
Common Issues with the China Doll Plant
My China Doll Plant is a fairly simple plant to take care of, but it has its problems.
- Leaf Drop: One of the things people complain about the most with china doll plants is that they shed leaves. Which always appears to be due to some sort of environmental stress, like a shift in light or temperature. The plant is also sensitive to overwatering or underwatering. If you see the leaves start to yellow and fall off the plant, then examine how much you have been watering it and change that.
- Pests: Like most houseplants, the China Doll Plant is prone to several parasites such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Check the leaves every once in a while for any type of infestation and if that happens just use some insecticidal soap or neem oil and that should take care of the problem.
- Yellowing Leaves: Over watering, bad drainage, or lack of nutrients can all cause the leaves of your China Doll Plant to turn yellow. But just make sure the soil is well draining, not constantly wet, look for any root rot. Leaves that are turning yellow may also mean that the plant needs more light, so try and put it in a lighter location.
The Aesthetic Appeal of the China Doll Plant
How can this China Doll Plant be so attractive, well, because it is so elegant. It has like a waxy dark green leaf and they kind of stand out against other paler colored things. Comes in an adorable pot though so it will match anywhere.
China Doll Plant, it fits in a window sill or maybe a corner of the living room or heck, be the centerpiece on the dining room table, wherever it goes though it brings a certain natural beauty to the house.
Conclusion
China Doll Plant, it is a very nice flexible indoor plant. It could be an indoor plant, with the right amount of care it would thrive and it would be something beautiful and green in your home.
With the proper light and water, and humidity, and if you can find some way to stop the shedding leaves, and keep the bugs away, you’ll have a China Doll Plant for years and years. Remember that consistency is key, and don’t forget to check out resources like thewellco for more plant care tips and tricks!