Fukien-tea

Fukien-tea Care

Ehretia microphylla

What is the plant

Ehretia microphylla, synonym Carmona retusa, also known as the Fukien tea tree or Philippine tea tree, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family, Boraginaceae.

The Fukien tea tree is indigenous to Southeast Asia. It is distinguished by almost year-round white flowers that are small in structure. Blooms give way to small red, black or green berries that are akin to miniature rosehips. The deep green leaves are dainty and lustrous. They are covered with tiny hairs. In nature, Ehretia microphylla is a shrub growing to 4 m height, with long, straggling, slender branches. In cultivation, it can be used to make a bonsai tree.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The tree is ideally grown in moist soil that is well-drained. It is best to allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. Overwatering will lead to root rot. Under-watering will cause the leaves to blacken and fall off. An indication of plant thirst is shriveled leaves. Water at the first sign of shriveling to refresh the tree and to maintain plant health.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, the plant should be fed once a week with a half-strength fertilizer that is specific to bonsai trees.
Sunlight
If grown indoors, place the plant in a well-lit location. When grown outdoors, the tree can tolerate different light situations, from sunny to shady.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Use a potting mix for bonsai trees.
Temperature
The plant needs to be protected in places where temperatures fall below 60°F. But in general, it can be kept outdoors in the areas with the lowest winter temperatures of +1.7°C (35°F). Inside, average room temperatures from 65°F/18.3°C - 75°F/23.8°C will suffice.
Container
This plant can be grown in a container. Choose a pot with enough drainage holes. The tree requires repotting every other year in spring.