This popular , pretty China doll plant deserve a spot in your collection .

A China doll plant is grown as a houseplant for its abundant glossy - dark-green , ferny leaves . Adapted from its origin as a large tree , this fast - grow industrial plant now happily tolerates indoor - growing conditions . A China skirt works rarely blooms indoors .

This native of Southeast Asia was introduced as a houseplant in the 1980s . It grows up to 4 groundwork tall and is valued for bringing airy greenery into homes .

China Doll Plant

Credit:BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel

BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel

Where to Plant China Doll Plants

If you meet its finicky light and territory demand , China doll is a comparatively low-spirited - sustainment flora . set a China bird in well - draining ground and water it often . set it in a shiny , strain - light location and debar potation . This plant does n’t wish changing conditions . Provide a consistent environment , or the works may start dropping its leaves .

China Doll Plant Care Tips

Light

As an indoor plant , China doll fares best with four to five hoursof full to part sun exposurea day . With too much shade , this plant apace becomes lanky and require constant pruning to look maintained .

Soil and Water

Somewhat erratic about water , a China doll needs logical wet , but be certain to let the grunge dry out slightly between tearing to avoid rotting and other problems . A rich potting mixture provides the right environs as long as it drains well .

Temperature and Humidity

These plants prefer a warm emplacement between 65 ° fluorine and 75 ° F . China doll also appreciates pot of humidness . In an super teetotal environs , increase the humidity around this plant by placing it on a dish antenna filled with pebble and water . As the water vaporise , the grade of humidness around the plant will rise . Avoid letting the corporation sit directly in the water , as forever soggy stain can conduct toroot rot .

Fertilizer

To keep a China dame plant life looking healthy , give it an casual dose of liquidhouseplant fertilizeror utilise a slow - release fertiliser every few month . fertilize encourages unexampled growth , though , so keep thosepruning shearshandy .

Pruning

Even when grown in ideal atmospheric condition , this plant life requires steady passementerie due to how fast it grows . The works can be trimmed any time of class . Every few months , contract back offset that have become long-legged or look damaged or dying .

Potting and Repotting China Doll

After the plant life lives in the same container for an prolonged time , the dirt may progress up superfluous salt , which can do leaf - tip burn mark . you’re able to repot the plant with freshsoil mixor render flushing the ground with a muckle of water to remove the supernumerary salt . This simple process , anticipate leaching , is done by placing the can in a drip pan or the sink and run rap water through the soil until the piddle bleed clear . It may take more than one flushing , and if so , empty the drip pan each time . percolate is especially important when a plant has been watered with chemically softened water . If that ’s the slip , flush the soil with rain or distilled water .

Pests and Problems

As with other houseplant , China doll flora attractaphids , mealybugs , and wanderer mites . check out the plants every workweek and speak any plague immediately using an insecticidal goop orneem oil . Although they screw humidness , the plant life may experience folio blot if they stay put pixilated . Position them where the air circulate freely to deflect fungal infections .

How to Propagate China Doll

Although propagation can be less successful than with other type of works , rooting a China doll cuttingcan result in a unexampled plant life . foreshorten 2 to 3 inches of new growth toward the tip of the plant ( green Natalie Wood only , nothing old and problematic ) . Remove the lower leave from your cutting , leaving just a few leaflets attached at the baksheesh . Dip the bottom half of the film editing in a rooting internal secretion powder and tap off any excess . Then stick the cutting in moist potting mixture and brood it with a moldable grip to trap as much humidness as possible . Keep the bagged cutting in a brilliant , warm spot and give it a gentle tug every few weeks to see if it is steady down . As presently as the cutting roots and begins to turn , pinch the tip to encourage branching .

Frequently Asked Questions

Although the huge bulk of China doll plants in the United States are grown as houseplant , it is potential to produce China bird plants outside inUSDA Zones 10 and 11 , where they raise much taller — up to 30 feet ! In the garden , they choose sun with partial shadowiness in the hottest areas , frequent watering , plenteous well - draining dirt , and regular impregnation , just like their indoor counterparts .

If your feline friend nibbles on your houseplant , have no fear . China doll plants are nonpoisonous for cats — and for dogs and youngster , too .

This is most likely honeydew melon , which is excreted by mealybug and aphids when they fertilise on the flora ’s tomfool . To keep damage from your plant , you must get free of the plague .

China Doll plant

Credit:BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel

No . Their base system of rules is not aggressive , so they are generally not consider invasive . They should not choke out other plants in the sphere .

China Doll plant

Credit:BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel