A flush of rich green gives a luscious oomph to your garden’s landscape, and the China Doll Plant will do just the trick!
One of the foremost reasons I recommend China Doll plants for landscaping is because they give the illusion of a ‘greener’ garden. Despite their short and stout structure, they manage to deliver quite an impression with their striking green foliage.
Here’s everything you need to know about the China Doll plant and more!
Table of Contents
Meet the China Doll Plant: Basic knowledge and Origins
I’ve always wondered why it’s named like so. No offense, but a China Doll always reminds me of the eerie and shining eyes of the little blood-curdling figurines at night. Perhaps it’s because of all the horror movies I’ve been binge-watching!
But the China Doll plant is nothing like a spooky rag doll. This plant is nothing short of ethereal grace and beauty.
The China Doll plant is precisely the fabulous herbage your home garden is missing. This plant sports green, feathery, leafy foliage and blooms white and purple-hued garnets in the spring.
Scientifically called the Radermachera Sinica (nicknamed the Serpent tree or emerald tree), this exquisite glossy botanical grows bipinnate foliages that divide into numerous shiny leaflets.
It is primarily sold as a houseplant. Multiple dwarf varieties of this beautiful emerald shade plant have also been engineered quite recently.
It’s fast-growing, easy to look after, and native to the most gargantuan continent of the world: Asia!
With nocturnal flowerets that wilt as soon as the sun shines on their petals, this pre-eminent potted green is one of a kind and can change your house’s facade altogether!
P.s: they’re pet-friendly and safe and will look beautiful on your Pinterest profile!
Family Type: Bignoniaceae
Common Name: China Doll, Emerald Tree, Serpent Tree
Botanical Name: Radermachera Sinica
Plant Type: feathery, evergreen tree
Size: 4-6 feet tall
Native Area: China, Taiwan
Sun Exposure: medium to bright indirect light
Soil Consistency: rich, well-drained soil
Humidity: moderate to high
Toxicity: safe for animals and humans
Flower Color: purple, yellow, and white
Common Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, Aphids
Varieties of Radermachera: The China Doll!
Born in the rough terrains of the tropical regions of Asia, the China Doll plant has mastered the artistry of survival (even in harsh weather conditions). It is also the most famous out of all 17 species of the genus.
The China Doll plant has multiple dwarf versions as well.
Rademacher Kunming
The Kunming variety, also known as the dwarf Jasmine tree, or Peep Thong, belongs to the intriguing state of temples: Thailand.
This winsome variety grows up to 1.8 meters tall, sports smooth, glossy, dark green foliages, and produces flowers more than any Sinica variety. Its exquisite white and pink flowers bloom in clusters.
The fragrant flowers have stunning yellow-orange shades of petals.
Radermachera xylocarpa
Endemic to India, the country of beautiful weather, fertile land, and ancient history, this shrub is also called the Padri tree.
It is an ornamental tree with gray scaly bark and pearly white flowers. This sultry botanical has been reported to contain steroidal compounds, and its resin is used for treating skin allergies. The foliages are sharp tipped, so pluck them with caution.
Radermachera ramiflora
The name translates to ‘flowering on the branches’, which accurately denotes the manner in which this plant flourishes.
The Ramiflora has gray bark, yellow florets, and twisted fruit; the appearance of this botanical project elegant rarity. It is confined to the Sabah state of Malaysian Borneo and is also known as the Steenis plant.
Ramiflora is a woody plant listed as vulnerable by IUCN. Say goodbye to plucking here!
How to care for an endearing little China Doll Plant
Radermachera Sinica has been present as a landscaped green for ages but was adopted as a houseplant merely three decades ago. Like Indian skin, these majestic botanicals are hardy and survive nicely with minimal care.
But, remember, the China Doll plant is a tree that grows slowly in a pot. If your house has a garden, we would recommend you to plant it in the ground for promising and quick results!
Bright indirect sunlight, a little fertilizer, seasonal pruning, and adequate watering is all you need to grow an enticing tropical species in your house!
Sunlight
All these species from the tropical continent of Asia need bright indirect sunlight exposure to thrive inside houses.
These trees grow solid and magnificent with 4-5 hours of sun exposure. An artificial grow-light works wonders. Avoid placing your China Doll in cold, dark places, as it can encourage mold growth in the soil, homing pests and diseases.
Soil
Pot your alluring little China Doll plant in rich, well-drained soil. Ideally, the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.5 pH). Commercially sold potting mixes work fine. However, if the soil is not draining adequately, using sand or perlite will do the trick.
Water
Frequent and regular watering is crucial for a thriving China Doll botanical, especially if you’re growing it indoors. These exquisite species can’t tolerate wet feet, so try watering only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Under or over watering your Serpent plant might result in severe dysfunctions.
Temperature and humidity
A plant from the subtropical regions is a hero against the bright sun. The china doll plant thrives in warm and humid conditions, but we suggest growing it in areas where the temperature stays below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although this botanical thrives in warm weather, it is prized for its tolerance toward dry conditions.
For effortless growth, you can use a humidifier or keep it in moisture-rich areas of the house, such as the kitchen or washroom.
Fertilizer
Feed your China Doll with a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) monthly during the growing season. Once it stops growing or slows down the process, you can convert to feeding fertilizer once every two months.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential factor in caring for a China Doll plant. Think of it as a mandatory haircut session that removes all split ends and damaged hair!
Prune your herbage every few months. Make sure to trim the leggy stems and eliminate spiky foliages.
Potting and re-potting
For potting a China Doll, all you need is a well-drained, moist, and rich soil with slightly acidic or neutral pH and a pot capable of containing the growing plant.
However, when it comes to repotting, less is more! The China Dolls love staying rootbound, so disturbing them can meddle with their growth cycle. Unless it’s crucial to re-pot, try pruning the roots for a healthier and fuller plant.
Propagation
Propagation of a China Doll plant requires precision and a lot of care.
You can take the 4-inch stem cuttings and put them directly in moist soil covered with a plastic sheet to ensure a moisture seal.
Make sure you take green stem cuttings, not the woody part, as it will only disappoint you.
You can also place the stem cutting in a rooting hormone first to hasten the root growth. Remember, the Serpent tree needs high humidity levels to grow. You must also place it in sunlight for 4-5 hours daily.
Fresh roots will grow within three to four weeks after a successful propagation.
Flowering
A mature Sinica plant grows trumpet-shaped, nocturnal flowers. They bloom at night and wilt as the sun rises.
For 2-3 months, a China Doll plant keeps blossoming and boasts alluring white flowers with yellow, pink, or purple strokes. China Doll plants rarely bloom in indoor conditions, especially when potted.
Challenges and solutions
To ensure wilted leaves or pesky bugs don’t haunt your China Doll, we have designed a mini-section for all the information you need regarding pests and diseases your botanical is at risk of.
Pests
Mealybugs, Aphids, and scale insects make themselves right at home when they set their eyes on a thriving China Doll. If you see spotting petals, falling leaves, or holes in the foliages of your botanical, it’s time to spray these nettlesome creatures with an insecticide.
You can also try herbal and organic remedies, such as vinegar and neem oil. Keep your plant in moist places to fend off pest attacks.
Diseases
To ensure the healthy growth of your China Doll plant, we suggest adequate watering and humidity levels. Over or under watering this botanical can cause falling leaves, wilting, curling, and even severe discoloration of the foliages.
Also, most diseases in this herbage are caused by fungi; hence, keeping the China Doll in moist places might be the most simple and effective solution. You can, however, use pesticides or fungicides if deemed necessary.
Ask Away: FAQs
Where can I get a China Doll plant online?
Etsy, Amazon, Nurserylive, and Planterina all sell potted and tube China Doll trees, starting from $12 only.
My China Doll plant has white cotton balls grown on its foliages; why?
Do not touch those white balls; they’re probably a colony of Mealybugs. Remove them with an alcohol swab or spray insecticide on these silent killers.
What is the philosophy behind China Doll flowers?
If you have a China Doll plant at home, you might have seen its blossoming white pearly flowers. The China Doll symbolizes purity, goodness, peace, and spirituality.
Can I eat a China doll flower for fun?
If you’re bored, you can eat a leaf or two from your China doll plant. It’s not poisonous, but we suggest you order a fruit salad for yourself instead!
