China Doll Plant
Radermachera sinica
An evergreen woody plant with glossy, dark green, bipinnate or tripinnate compound leaves arranged in opposite pairs, featuring finely toothed leaflets and an upright, bushy growth habit.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; protect from harsh direct afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during the winter months, and ensure containers have adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen shrub to small tree. Indoors, it typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall with a compact, bushy spread, maintaining a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight, maintain evenly moist soil without waterlogging, and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the active growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; protect from harsh direct afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during the winter months, and ensure containers have adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
Well-draining, fertile, loamy soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 10 to 11; grown as an indoor houseplant in cooler temperate climates.
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen shrub to small tree. Indoors, it typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall with a compact, bushy spread, maintaining a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Non-flowering when grown indoors as a potted juvenile plant; mature specimens in tropical outdoor habitats produce trumpet-shaped white to pale yellow flowers.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through stem tip cuttings taken in spring or summer, rooted in a moist, warm propagation medium.
Common pests & issues
Prone to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, especially in dry indoor air. Leaf drop can occur due to sudden temperature fluctuations, drafts, or overwatering.
Similar species
Radermachera ignea, which produces distinct bright orange flowers, and other glossy-leaved tropical shrubs like Polyscias species (aralia), distinguished by alternative leaf arrangements and different leaf textures.