Last Updated on 10 October 2023 by mysumptuousness.com
A China doll plant is basically grown as a common houseplant because of its rich glossy-green, fernlike leaves. Adapted from its source as a huge tree, this fast-growing plant can happily tolerate indoor growing situations. China doll plant flowers significantly less bloom indoors. This popular, beautiful houseplant deserves a place in your collection.
Introduction
This plant is native to Southeast Asia. It was introduced as an indoor plant in the 1980s. It can grow up to 4 feet tall and is famous for providing airy greenery in homes.
China Doll Plant Overview
Genus Name: Radermachera Sinica
Common Name: China Doll
Plant Type: Houseplant
Light: Part Sun, Sun
Height: 1 to 4 feet
Width: 1 To 3 Feet
Foliage Color: Blue/Green
Special Features: Suitable for Containers, Low Maintenance
Propagation: Stem Cuttings
China Doll plant: Varieties
About seventeen different species ofChina doll plants are present nowadays. Because of its satiny, silky look, this plant is famous by various popular names, including Emerald Tree and Canton Lace.
The China doll plant is also present in a few distinctive variants, just like the Crystal Doll, a green-yellow variety. Asian Bell Trees, also present in dwarf types, are growing their popularity.
No matter which variety of China doll plantflowersyou buy as an indoor plant, it is unquestionably the best choice to give your space a natural feel.
Where to Plant China Doll Plants
If you meet its particular light and soil requirements, China doll is basically a low-maintenance plant. Plant a China doll in a well-draining soil and regularly water it. Place it in an open, filtered-light location, and should avoid drafts. This plant doesn’t prefer changing conditions. Provide a not changing environment; otherwise, the plant will start wilting.
China Doll Plant Care Tips
Light
Because it is an indoor plant, China doll works best with four to five hours of full sun exposure once a day. If in too much shade, this plant easily becomes awkward and needs daily pruning to look maintained.
Soil and Water
Fairly temperamental about water, China doll plant benefits need consistent watering but be sure to keep the soil dry a bit slightly between watering to avoid rotting and other harms.
Humidity and Temperature
These plants like a warm place between 65°F and 75°F. China doll also prefers a lot of humidity. In a tremendously dry environment, try to increase the humidity around this plant by putting it in a bowl filled with stones and water. Just as the water evaporates, the intensity of humidity around the plant rises. Avoid putting the pot directly in the water because constantly soggy soil leads to the rotting of roots.
Fertilizer
Give China doll plant flowers an occasional dose of liquid houseplant fertilizer or use a slow-release fertilizer once every few months to keep them looking healthy. However, fertilizing promotes new growth, so keep your pruning shears close at hand.
Pruning
Even under perfect circumstances, this plant needs regular trimming because of how quickly it grows. Any time of year is suitable for trimming the plant. Trim back branches that grow lanky, are injured, or seem to be dying every few months.
Potting and Repotting China Doll
After the plant has been kept in the same container for a while, the soil may get too salty, which could lead to leaf-tip burn. To get rid of the extra salt, you can either repot the plant in new soil or try flushing the soil with a lot of water. Leaching is a straightforward procedure that involves setting the pot in a drip pan or the sink and letting tap water flow through the soil until the water is clear. If more than one flushing is necessary, make sure to empty the drip pan after each one. When a plant has been watered with water that has been chemically softened, leaching is extremely crucial. If so, use distilled water or rainwater to rinse the soil.
Pests and Problems
Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites draw to China doll plants much like other indoor plants. Every week, check the plants and treat any infection immediately with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Even though they enjoy dampness, if the plants remain wet, they could get leaf spots. Place them where the air may freely circulate to prevent fungus infections.
How to Propagate China Doll
Rooting a China doll cutting can produce a new plant, even though propagation is occasionally less successful than with other kinds of plants. In the direction of the plant’s tip, remove 2 to 3 inches of new growth (just green wood; avoid using any old hardwood). Your cutting should only have a few leaflets remaining at the tip once you remove the lower leaves. You should dip the cutting’s lower half in a rooting hormone powder, and tap off any extra. In order to retain as much humidity as possible, place the cutting in wet potting soil and cover it with a plastic bag. Every few weeks, gently tug on the bagged cutting to check if it has roots. Keep the cutting in a sunny, warm location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although China doll plants often grow indoors in the United States, it is possible to grow them outdoors where they can reach heights of up to 30 feet! Like their indoor counterparts, they prefer full sun with some partial shade in the hottest places, frequent watering, rich, well-draining soil, and regular fertilizing.
Do not be alarmed if your cat chews on your indoor plants. No china doll plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and toddlers.
China doll plants can be fussy if the right conditions are not fulfilled for them to flourish correctly indoors. The most important thing to remember for growing a China doll plant is that it requires lots of moisture and light and cannot respond well to numerous changes in its growth environment.
Even under perfect circumstances, this plant needs regular trimming because of how quickly it grows. Any time of year is suitable for trimming the plant. Trim back branches that have grown lanky, are injured, or seem to be dying every few months.
You can easily propagate China Doll plants via stem cuttings. Take a look at the propagation topic above.
