China Doll Plant (Radermachera sinica)

A China Doll Plant is a very fast growing plant with lacy-looking, glossy, green foliage that is native to the subtropical mountain regions of southern China and Taiwan. China Doll Plants appear very compact and sturdy when you first buy them because of the growth regulators given to them by growers. These growth regulators make normal sized leaves grow on short stems. As this regulator in the soil is used up, a China Doll Plant starts growing in all directions just like the outdoor plant it really is. Instead of a dense plant with lots of leaves, a China Doll Plant soon becomes open and feathery. A China Doll Plant, with its soft delicate leaves, makes a beautiful houseplant if placed in very bright light and frequently pinched back.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: A China Doll Plant requires very bright light.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: China Doll Plants want to be kept on the dry side. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering a China Doll Plant. The foliage may even turn a pale green when a China Doll Plant needs water. Water around the entire soil surface so water reaches all of the roots of the China Doll Plant.  

FERTILIZER: Feed a China Doll Plant monthly in the spring and summer when it is actively growing and every other month in the fall and winter with a balanced fertilizer at 1/2 the recommended strength.

TEMPERATURE: A China Doll Plant does well in temperatures between 65-75 degrees. Keep China Doll Plants away from drafts and cold windowsills or the leaves fall off.

HUMIDITY: China Doll Plants grow well in basic household humidity.

FLOWERING: A China Doll Plant gets flowers when grown as an outdoor plant, but not when grown indoors.

PESTS: Spider mites, Aphids, and Mealy Bugs are attracted to China Doll Plants. Because of the many leaves a China Doll plant has, it is difficult to get rid of houseplant pests. Check your China Doll Plant every week as a precaution.  

DISEASES: China Doll Plants are prone to fungal infections that can cause the houseplant disease called Leaf Spot. Providing good air circulation around a China Doll Plant and keeping the leaves dry helps prevent Leaf Spot Disease.

SOIL: Use a rich well-aerated soil that drains quickly for a China Doll Plant. Add sand or perlite to loosen the soil if necessary.