How to grow a Radermachera sinica so its roots do not rot? Do this and its leaves will stay green and glossy

Radermachera sinica, also known as the China doll tree, is a plant of the genus Radermachera in the family Bignoniaceae, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of southern China. The Radermachera sinica has luxuriant branches and leaves, an elegant form, and fresh, smooth, green leaves with a metallic luster; its bark is light gray with deep longitudinal cracks. The whole plant has a graceful, swaying silhouette and is highly ornamental; whether placed indoors or outdoors it draws the eye, showing off vigorous vitality and also purifying the air. At the same time, the name Radermachera sinica carries an auspicious meaning that makes it very popular in homes and office environments, and many flower lovers grow it in their homes and offices.

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Radermachera sinica

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Radermachera sinica, Green Treasure, Heteropanax fragrans

There are mainly 3 varieties sold on the market as Radermachera sinica, namely Radermachera sinica, Green Treasure tree and Heteropanax fragrans. Radermachera sinica and Green Treasure tree both belong to the genus Radermachera, so they are relatives and look very similar; Heteropanax fragrans is a plant of the genus Heteropanax in the family Araliaceae, called the fortune tree on the market. All three are tree species that grow in southern China, with similar forms, and are fairly easy to confuse.

At the same tree age, the leaves of Heteropanax fragrans are relatively fresh green, while the leaves of Green Treasure tend toward yellow-green. In addition, the leaves of Heteropanax fragrans are relatively thicker, while the leaves of Green Treasure feel rather thin. Compared with the other two trees, Heteropanax fragrans also has a relatively more beautiful tree shape.

The base of the compound leaf stalk of Heteropanax fragrans clasps the stem, and the ring marks on the trunk are relatively distinctive features.

(Radermachera sinica Tieba applegl12, Tahetiyun, Hyacinth_Gejin)

Looking at the leaf structure, the difference between Green Treasure and Radermachera sinica is mainly that Green Treasure has 1-2 pinnately compound leaves with somewhat larger leaves, while Radermachera sinica has 2-3 pinnately compound leaves with relatively smaller leaves;

Green Treasure tree

(Radermachera sinica Tieba bandiangouee)

Since Radermachera sinica and Green Treasure belong to the same genus, their growing requirements, environment and care methods are basically the same, so they are introduced together.

Soil

Radermachera sinica prefers a loose, fertile potting soil that drains and breathes well and is rich in organic matter. It is usually mixed from 5 parts garden soil, 3 parts leaf mold, 1 part decomposed organic fertilizer and 1 part river sand. Generally repot once every 1-2 years, in April.

Watering

But waterlogging must not occur, to prevent the Radermachera sinica from waterlogging and root rot.

Fertilizing

During the growing season, apply fertilizer once a month; after the Mid-Autumn Festival, apply 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution 2-3 times in succession to increase the cold resistance of the Radermachera sinica plant and help it overwinter safely. When the summer temperature is above 32°C, and after the temperature drops below 12°C in late autumn and early winter, topdressing should be stopped.

Temperature

Radermachera sinica likes a warm, hot environment, and its suitable growing temperature is 20-30°C. In the heat of midsummer, when it reaches above 30°C, shade it appropriately and increase misting of the environment and the leaves. In late autumn, when the temperature drops to around 10°C, move it back indoors promptly. During overwintering, it is best to maintain an indoor temperature of no less than 8°C, and at the lowest it must not go below 5°C, so as to avoid cold damage to the leaves or leaf drop.

Light

Radermachera sinica is a light-loving plant and can also tolerate shade somewhat; usually keep it in a bright spot for care. Seedlings are relatively shade-tolerant, and in summer they need shading; during overwintering, place it in a higher spot by a window or in front of a balcony so it can receive as much light as possible.

Propagation methods

Home propagation is generally mainly by cuttings; in March-April, when the temperature reaches about 15°C, cut 1-2 year old woody branches about 15-20 cm long, remove all the leaves, and make the lower cut preferably 0.5 cm below a node, then insert them into a sandy loam seedbed, with the cutting inserted to a depth of about 1/3 to 1/2 of the cutting length. While the lower cut is healing and rooting, spray water to keep the seedbed moist. After a sound root system has grown, transplant it into a pot with its soil ball.

So this is how Radermachera sinica should be grown

No wonder my Radermachera sinica always turns yellow

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