How to care for a Radermachera sinica (China doll plant)? Solutions for yellowing leaves
Radermachera sinica - just hearing its name makes people feel fired up, sending happiness soaring. Radermachera sinica is a tropical plant with emerald-green leaves and lush, dense branches and foliage; whether kept indoors or outdoors, it is very attractive. This is because it not only has tenacious vitality, is easy to care for, and has low demands on its environment, but can also help purify the air, which is one of the reasons many people love it. So how do you care for a Radermachera sinica? What should you do if its leaves turn yellow during care?
1. How to care for a Radermachera sinica?
1. Light
Although Radermachera sinica likes to grow in a semi-shaded environment, light is also very important. There is not much sunlight in winter, so it should be moved outdoors appropriately to bask for 3-4 hours; in summer, choose morning and evening for light exposure and avoid direct sunlight.
2. Water
When Radermachera sinica is sprouting, watering appropriately can inhibit the plant from growing too large; in the hot summer, be sure to prevent heat stress and lower the temperature, and spray water around the leaves to keep them clean while raising air humidity. Remember not to water too much at once, to avoid waterlogging and root rot. Once water accumulates, drain it as soon as possible. If you find the roots have rotted, cut them off promptly, treat the wounds, and then replant. After replanting, do not place it directly in sunlight for three days; just keep it in a cool, ventilated place.
3. Soil
Soil with strong air permeability, good drainage, and rich nutrients is suitable for Radermachera sinica to grow in; generally, garden soil is quite suitable. To keep the roots ventilated, loosen the soil once every month.
4. Fertilizer
One month before flowering, fertilize Radermachera sinica regularly to ensure sufficient nutrients so it grows better. Generally, fertilize in the morning, once a week is enough, and do not use too high a concentration, to avoid burning the roots; the key is to fertilize frequently and lightly.
2. What to do if Radermachera sinica leaves turn yellow?
1. Caused by too much or too concentrated fertilizer
If there is too much nitrogen fertilizer, it will cause Radermachera sinica leaves to turn yellow, generally showing on the old leaves, gradually turning yellow from the edges to the middle, and finally withering and falling off.
During this period, judge reasonably and dilute the excess nutrients in the soil by watering, but do not water all at once; you can increase it slowly.
2. Unsuitable soil pH
If the soil of a potted Radermachera sinica is alkaline, it will cause the leaves to turn yellow, and in the worst case may cause the entire Radermachera sinica to die.
This is generally easy to solve: neutralize the alkaline soil with acidic substances or fertilizer.
3. Caused by waterlogging and root rot
Too much watering causes severe waterlogging in the potting soil; rotted roots cannot carry out respiration, and gradually the leaves cannot absorb nutrients or water, so they become lighter in color, yellow, and lusterless.
If this happens, cut off the rotted root system, change the potting soil, and then observe.
4. Poor light and ventilation
When ventilation is poor, the leaves will remain in a dark, damp place for a long time; without light, the leaves will turn yellow, because the leaves cannot carry out photosynthesis.
If this is the cause, not only should the Radermachera sinica be placed in a ventilated place, but it should also be moved to a balcony or outdoors from time to time to give it sufficient light. In summer care, pay attention to cooling and avoiding strong light.
5. Caused by the environment
A newly purchased Radermachera sinica suddenly placed in a different environment does not adapt, because light, humidity, temperature, and so on have all changed, and yellowing leaves can also appear.
In this situation, there is generally no need to worry too much; if you take careful care according to the care points, it will improve in a few days.
In summary: Radermachera sinica not only has a nice name and good symbolic meaning, but is also easy to manage, making it very suitable for potted home cultivation. You might as well give it a try.