China Doll Plant Guide: How to Grow China Doll Plants

The China doll plant (Radermachera sinica) is a small, feathery, evergreen tree that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. Native to the subtropical mountainous regions of Asia, the China doll plant grows well in warm, humid conditions. In the US, China doll plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones ten through twelve.

Other common names for the China doll plant include the serpent tree and emerald tree. The China doll plant features green leaves that may become leggy if light conditions are too low. The right balance of light and moisture is essential for maintaining a healthy China doll plant with glossy leaves. These plants are slow growers, but mature plants may eventually reach up to six feet high and three feet wide. This plant type does well in mild room temperatures and can make an attractive addition to your indoor garden.

Planting a China doll houseplant is a relatively simple process.

1. 1. Plant any time of year. If you are growing your China doll plant indoors, you can plant it any time of year.
2. 2. Choose a well-draining soil. Give your houseplant a strong foundation and choose a potting mix that drains well. Add sand or perlite to your potting mix if the soil is not draining enough water out.
3. 3. Choose a spot with partial shade. Place your China doll plant in a bright but partially shaded part of the house.
4. 4. Use well-draining soil. Moist, well-draining soil is vital to a China doll plant’s health. Add perlite to potting soil to improve drainage and avoid root rot.

After planting your China doll plant, follow these tips to ensure your new plant thrives.

1. 1. Light: A mix of bright light and indirect light is ideal for China doll plants. Avoid direct sunlight in the afternoon, which can cause yellowing leaves and leaf drop.
2. 2. Environment: For the best results, keep your China doll plants away from drafty areas. Generally, it’s important to keep the growing conditions for your China doll plant steady. The China doll plant thrives in a consistent environment and is prone to dropping leaves when conditions abruptly change.
3. 3. Temperature: China doll plants do best in temperatures between sixty-five and seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit with ample humidity. Invest in a humidifier if your indoor environment is dry.
4. 4. Watering: Water your China doll plant according to the soil appearance. Observe when the top inch of soil becomes dry and then water. Overwatering wet soil can result in fungal diseases, but slightly moist soil is beneficial for your plant.
5. 5. Feeding: Apply a liquid fertilizer once per month during the spring and summer growing season.
6. 6. Pruning: Prune your China doll plant four times per year, or once each season. Pruning keeps the China doll plant from becoming leggy and encourages fresh leaf growth.
7. 7. Propagation: You can propagate your plant by taking stem cuttings and placing them in fresh moist soil. If the soil is kept consistently moist, new roots should grow within a month.
8. 8. Repotting: Repotting your China doll plant is not recommended, as these houseplants do best when root-bound.
9. 9. Pest control: Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs are all attracted to the bushy leaves of a China doll plant. Should an infestation occur, apply a gentle organic insecticide like neem oil.
   

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