China Doll Plant (Radermachera) Care: Pruning Brittle Stems

China Doll (Radermachera sinica) is finicky: drops leaves for any change.

Immediate Action

• Brittle stems = dead. Cut back to healthy wood (green inside).
• Healthy stems: Prune just above a node; new growth emerges below cut.

Ongoing Care

• Light: Bright indirect; north/east window. No direct midday sun.
• Temp: Constant 65-75°F; no drafts.
• Water: Even moisture; never bone dry, never soggy.
• Pot: Keep root-bound; repot rarely.
• Prune regularly to maintain shape and reduce leaf drop.

Reality Check

Difficult indoors long-term; often declines after 1-2 years. Propagate from woody cuttings in humidity tent if you want to continue.