Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Radermachera sinica or China doll

The genus Radermachera, family Bignoniaceae, comprises 17 species of trees native to Southeast Asia. Some species are: Radermachera sinica, Radermachera xylocarpa, Radermachera peninsularis, Radermachera ramiflora.

Common names: Serpent tree, Emerald tree, China doll. This species is native to southern China and Taiwan.

They are evergreen trees that reach 30 meters (98.4 feet) in height. They have pretty, oval-shaped, glossy green leaves. The scented, large white trumpet-shaped flowers bloom at night and die in the morning. They bloom in spring and early summer. Indoors they do not usually flower but their leaves are very decorative.

China doll is used as indoor or greenhouse plants when it's young. In tropical and subtropical climates it's used as isolated specimens.

Radermachera needs an exposure illuminated with direct sun in the first hours of the day. The temperature should not be lower than 12 ºC (53.6 ºF) in winter. It's very sensitive to thermal changes and drafts.

The soil can be a commercial substrate for indoor plants with 20% coarse sand.

Water frequently with lime-free water so that the substrate is always slightly damp without ever flooding. Spray the leaves weekly with lime-free water. Emerald tree resists heating.

Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer during spring and summer.

Serpent tree does not need pruning.

If Radermachera sinica suffers from drought it can be attacked by mites.

China doll is propagated from cuttings in spring or summer.

Images of the indoor plant Radermachera sinica or China doll