China Doll, Radermachera Sinica

Selling size: Single plant| 2.5″-4″ Nursery Pot Included

Radermachera Sinica, China doll – Plant Care

COMMON NAME: China doll

The China doll (Radermachera sinica) is a fairly new houseplant that has become very popular and widely available. This plant is like a tree, with attractive, glossy, mid-green leaves divided into leaflets. This plant remains fairly compact and it’s easy to look after. While their care can be a bit tricky, once you know the basic growing conditions for China doll plants, you can enjoy their presence in your home.

Light: China doll plants need plenty of bright, but indirect, light. They need at least four to five hours of this kind of light a day. If the windows in your house are unable to provide suitable light, then you may want to use an artificial plant light to add additional light.

Water: China doll plants need moist, but well drained, soil. Water when the soil on the top of the pot is dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as it does not like this and can develop root rot if left sitting in water due to poor drainage.

Humidity: Try to maintain 40% relative humidity around your plant. Indoor air can become extremely dry in winter; it’s a good idea to use a humidity monitor rather than guess. Use a humidity tray or a cool-mist room humidifier, if needed.

Feed: Feed once a month with a balanced fertiliser during the growing period.

The China Doll plant (Radermachera sinica) is a beautiful houseplant known for its delicate, fern-like foliage. However, it can be a bit finicky, so here’s a breakdown of its care requirements:   

Key Care Factors:

• Light:
  • Prefers bright, indirect light.   
  • Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.   
  • Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth.   
• Watering:
  • Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.   
  • Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.   
  • Overwatering can lead to root rot.   
• Humidity:
  • Prefers high humidity.   
  • Misting the leaves regularly or placing the plant on a humidity tray can help.   
  • Dry air can cause leaf drop.   
• Temperature:
  • Thrives in warm temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).   
  • Protect from drafts and sudden temperature changes.   
• Soil:
  • Requires well-draining potting mix.   
  • A mix designed for houseplants with peat, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
• Fertilizing:
  • Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
  • Some people suggest fertilizing once a month, so either method is appropriate as long as the fertilizing is diluted.
  • Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.   
• Pruning:
  • Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth.   
  • Prune back leggy stems to promote new growth.   
• Repotting:
  • Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
  • Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.   
• Pest Control:
  • Monitor for common pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.   
  • Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.   

Common Problems and Solutions:

• Leaf Drop:
  • Often caused by changes in environment, such as moving the plant, temperature fluctuations, or drafts.   
  • Ensure consistent care.
• Yellowing Leaves:
  • Can indicate overwatering or poor drainage.
  • Adjust watering practices and check the soil for proper drainage.   

Important Considerations:

• Consistency is key with China Doll plants. They don’t like sudden changes.
• These plants can be a little tricky, so don’t get discouraged if you experience some leaf drop.