Question
Hi Will,

Forgive me if this is a duplicate question but I didn't receive a receipt from AllExperts so don't know if my earlier question went through.

I was recently given a China Doll plant in a 6" pot. The accompanying tag only gave general tropical plant instructions. I don't have much of a green thumb but do know that not all tropical plants have the same requirements. Can you please advise me how to care for my pretty China Doll?

Thanks,
Alexandra

Answer
Hi Alexandra,

Below is a copy of my reply from yesterday.

Unfortunately, China Doll (Radermachera sinica) is not a good plant for beginners. It can be a very finicky plant that drops foliage rather dramatically if anything upsets it.

Keep it in its existng pot, even if you see roots commg out of the bottom of the pot. Locate it in a place close to a moderately sunny window that is left uncovered throughout the day. If the window faces south, keep it about 3-5 feet away from the window. Otherwise it should be within a couple of feet of the window.

Keep it away from temps below 65 degrees and away from heaters or radiators. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet. That means you have to monitor the soil almost daily and water thoroughly as soon as the surface of the soil feels very dry. If you water a day or so early or late, it will react by quickly developing yellowing leaves. It is not a very forgiving plant

Watch carefully for mealybugs, scles insects and spider mites, all of which like to feast on this plant. I have written an article on indoor plant pests that I will email to you if you  send a request to me at my address below. My article will explain how to identify and treat these pests.

Don't get discouraged if it doesn't make it. It is a very challenging plant.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected]
or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC