China Doll | Radermachera sinica | 200mm Nursery Pot

Product Description

Delicate looks, plenty of personality! The China Doll is a beautiful tropical tree with masses of glossy green foliage, gracefully arching branches and a wonderfully fresh, leafy appearance.

Its intricate foliage is made up of smaller, pointed leaflets that create a soft, feathery look, while its naturally upright growth habit gives it the presence of a miniature indoor tree. Fresh growth emerges in lighter shades of green, adding lovely contrast against the deeper, mature foliage.

Perfect for bright living rooms, offices or anywhere that could use a little extra greenery, the China Doll is a gorgeous choice for anyone who loves a lush, elegant indoor plant. It can be a little particular about its surroundings, but find it the right spot and keep its care consistent, and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful, leafy companion.

Why You'll Love It

• Beautiful glossy green foliage with an intricate, delicate appearance.
• Fresh lime green growth adds lovely contrast against mature leaves.
• An elegant, upright growth habit that creates a miniature tree-like display.
• Naturally bushy foliage that brings softness and texture to indoor spaces.
• Responds well to careful pruning to maintain a compact, full appearance.

The Details

• Botanical Name: Radermachera sinica
• Common Name: China Doll, China Doll Tree, Emerald Tree
• Pot Size: 200mm Nursery Pot
• Plant Type: Evergreen subtropical tree

Light

Prefers bright, indirect light and will perform best in a position that receives plenty of natural brightness throughout the day. A little gentle morning sunlight can be beneficial, helping to maintain dense foliage and encourage healthy growth.

Avoid harsh afternoon sunlight, particularly through glass, as this can scorch its delicate leaves. While it may tolerate medium light conditions, insufficient light can result in slower growth, leggy stems and leaf drop.

Once you've found a suitable position, try to keep it there. China Dolls appreciate a stable environment and can be sensitive to sudden changes in light.

Watering

China Dolls prefer their potting mix to remain lightly and consistently moist, without becoming waterlogged. Allow the upper few centimetres of soil to begin drying before watering thoroughly, then let any excess water drain away.

Avoid allowing the potting mix to dry out completely for extended periods, as this can lead to wilting and leaf drop. Equally, constantly saturated soil can cause root problems and yellowing foliage.

Check the soil regularly rather than watering to a fixed schedule, adjusting your routine according to the temperature, available light and how quickly the mix dries.

Feeding

Feed year-round with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser to support healthy foliage and steady growth. Adjust the frequency according to its growth rate, feeding less often during cooler periods when growth naturally slows.

Avoid overfeeding, as excessive fertiliser can cause salt build-up in the potting mix and damage the roots.

Growing

In its natural environment, Radermachera sinica can develop into a substantial tree, but indoors it is generally grown as a compact, leafy feature plant. Its fine branching structure and glossy foliage make it particularly attractive when maintained in a bushy form.

Grow in a quality, well-draining indoor potting mix that retains some moisture while allowing excess water to escape. China Dolls appreciate warm temperatures, moderate humidity and good air circulation, but should be protected from cold draughts and direct airflow from heating or cooling systems.

Light pruning can encourage branching and help maintain a fuller, more compact appearance. Avoid removing too much foliage at once, particularly if the plant is still adjusting to a new environment.

Pet Friendly?

China Dolls are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a more pet-friendly choice than many other tropical indoor plants.

As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing the foliage, as eating plant material can occasionally cause mild digestive upset.

Good to Know

China Dolls have a bit of a reputation for being creatures of habit! Sudden changes in their environment, inconsistent watering, cold draughts or being moved frequently can all trigger leaf drop.

A little leaf shedding after bringing your plant home isn't necessarily cause for concern. Give it a bright, stable position and a consistent watering routine, and it will often settle in and begin producing fresh growth.

Although its foliage looks delicate, the China Doll can develop into a wonderfully lush indoor feature with the right care. Regular light pruning helps encourage that beautiful, full appearance rather than allowing the stems to become too tall and sparse.

If you're looking for an indoor tree with beautiful texture and plenty of greenery, and don't mind giving it a little extra attention, the China Doll is a lovely choice.

• We photograph as many of our plants as possible; however, some listings may occasionally use supplier images.

• As plants are living things, every plant is unique and natural variations in size, colour and fullness should be expected.

• The plant you receive may not be the exact one pictured, but we'll always hand-pick a beautiful, healthy plant we'd happily display in our own home.

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