Question
My China Doll is 3 years old & 7' tall.  When I wasn't successful with the plant in the house during the first summer and fall, I cast it aside in the winter out on the back patio.  The next spring, I discovered abundent new growth, and that it liked it there.  The patio's east wall is UV blocking corrugated plastic and the roof is aluminum.  Now, 3 years later, the plant is too tall and I don't know whether to top it or plant/move it outside out from under the roof.  I've re-potted from a 6", to 10" and now 17" x 16" tall.  
Thank you for your help.
Paulette  

Answer
Hi Paulette,

That is an awesome China doll that you have! Great work! Apparently the light that it receives in that location is close to ideal.

China doll comes from the tropical regions of south China and is hardy in Zones 10-12. That means it cannot survive sub-freezing temps nor consistently cold temps for very long. I don't know where you live, but unless you live in south FL or southern CA, planting it in the ground is not an option.

Here is another consideration if you move it outside. Outdoor light is much more intense except in shade and a dramatic increase in light would damage many of the existing leaves that are adapted to the patio light.

So my guess is that your only option will be to prune it back. And that is a fine option. Any stem can be pruned back as much as you want. New growth will emerge on a pruned stem just below the point of the pruning cut and grow up from there. Keep this in mind so you don't have to prune it again in a few months. You can prune one stem at a time or many at once.

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

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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