China Doll Plant

The elegant China Doll Plant is botanically named Radermachera sinica, but is more commonly known as the serpent or emerald tree. With its delicate, dark-green leaves on a bushy habit, it is a great plant for adding some greenery to your home or office environment. Native to the mountainous regions of subtropical China, it can grow well as a houseplant if given the right conditions.  Best Locations For Growing China Doll Plant The China Doll Plant is not considered toxic, although care should still be taken in growing this plant around pets or children. It can tolerate average humidity so can be grown in most indoor spaces. China Doll Plant Sunlight Requirements To thrive, the China Doll Plant needs to receive around 4 to 5 hours of bright indirect sunlight per day. Slightly diffused light near an east- or north-facing window tends to be ideal for this plant. If its growth becomes too leggy, it may not be getting enough light.China Doll Plant Care Requiring a warm environment to thrive, the China Doll Plant likes to be kept between 65 to 75 °F, away from any drafts. Even though this plant can tolerate relatively dry conditions, it is best grown with a bit of extra humidity that can be provided with regular misting or placing the plant on a wet pebble tray. The China Doll Plant can grow fast and may need regular pruning to keep it to shape and prevent it from becoming leggy. To prune this plant, any overgrown, misshapen or dying stems can be cut back to just above a leaf node with sanitized tools. Preferring to be kept a bit root-bound, repotting is only advisable if strictly necessary.  Watering China Doll Plant The China Doll Plant prefers to be grown in a soil that is kept moist but not wet, as an overly wet soil can lead to root rot. Generally, this plant needs to be watered once the top inch of soil is dry; watering can be reduced during the winter months. To help prevent root rot, allow any excess water to drain away from the soil after watering.  Feeding China Doll Plant The China Doll Plant can be fed every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength to keep its foliage lush and healthy. Feeding this plant during the winter is not necessary.China Doll Plant Information Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium LightCare Requirements: EasyWatering Requirements: Average – When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.Pet Friendly: NoKid Friendly: NoAir Purifier: ModerateHabit: UprightGrowth Rate: Moderate to FastMature Height: 4-6 feetMature Spread: 1-3 feetFlowering: YesFlower Color(s): White, YellowFlower Shade/Description: White, YellowFragrant: Foliage Type: Foliage Color(s): GreenFoliage Description: Green FoliageTemperature: 65° – 75°F (18° – 24°C)Humidity: Average (40% – 60%)Common Name: China Doll PlantOther Name(s): China Doll, Serpent Tree And Emerald TreeScientific Name: Radermachera sinicaPlant Type: House Plant