Question
I have a china doll plant that is starting to get brittle leaves.  Can you cut the plant down and it will regrow like Honeysuckle?  If not what can I do to save it?

Thank you
Cathy

Answer
Hi Cathy,

China doll's botanical name is Radermachera sinica. It is native to tropical regions of China where it can grow as tall as 30 feet and will produce white or yellow trumpet shaped flowers. But that won't happen indoors.

It needs lots of bright light, but protection from direct midday sun. A north or east windowsill is best. It also is a bit fussy about temperature, preferring constant temps in the 65 to 75 degree range and away from warm or cold drafts. It doesn't respond well to changes in light, so find a good location for it and leave it there.

Propagate from seed or from woody cuttings kept in a humidity tent.  China doll is a notoriously finicky plant that will drop leaves rather dramatically for many reasons, including a change in environment, improper light, irregular watering, temperature change, pests, normal aging, and repotting. My overall advice is to keep it potbound, prune it regularly, and provide a consistent environment for it. BTW, it is difficult to keep this plant looking good indoors for more than a year or two.

If an entire stem is brittle, then it is dead and that stem cannot be salvaged. Healthy stems can be pruned back and new growth will emerge just below the point on the stem where you make the pruning cut.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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