Fukien Tea

Fukien Tea Care

Carmona Retusa

What is the plant

The Fukien Tea is originally from China and it was named after the province Fukien, in Chinese Fuijan. It is also endemic in parts of Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan and Australia. The Fukien Tea is still very popular for Penjing in China and in Western countries it is a common indoor Bonsai tree.Its small dark-green shiny leaves have tiny white dots on the upper side and are covered with hairs underneath. Small white flowers can appear all year round and sometimes produce small yellow-red to dark berries.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

18°C - 28°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Keep the tree moist, as it doesn’t like droughts. But be careful not to water too often because it doesn't like soil wetness either. As soon as the soil surface gets dry the tree needs to be watered generously but it must not be left standing in excess water.
Pruning
The Fukien tree can take pruning quite well and regular trimming will make the tree grow a dense branch structure. Young shoots are tender and flexible so that they are easy to trim or wire. Mature twigs and branches are hard and brittle, so use appropriate tools for pruning and be careful when you want to wire and bend them.
Fertilizer
Solid organic fertilizer is appropriate for the Fukien Tea Bonsai because its roots are sensitive. Liquid fertilizers can also be used in carefully measured dosage and only on moist soil. Feed the tree well from spring to autumn following the directions for use, but in winter less often.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
The Fukien Tea is an indoor Bonsai which can only be kept outside all year in very warm climates. It needs a lot of light and in the house it should be positioned behind a window pane where it gets the best light.
Soil
While the specific makeup of soil does not matter to these trees, it is crucial that you provide a well-draining soil.
Temperature
The perfect temperature is around 20 degrees C (68F), make sure it doesn’t experience much lower temperatures. In summer the Carmona can be placed outside as long as the nights are warm enough.