Looking for ways to grow a vibrant and healthy China doll plant? We’ve jotted down some ideas to plant and care for your China doll plant.
Are you looking for plants that are great for indoor gardening? Do you have limited space but still want to add a touch of greenery to it? Do you like plants with gorgeous flowers? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then China Doll Plants may be for you. China doll plants (also known as Radermachera Sinica) are beautiful plants with thick, curling leaves and reddish stems, which makes them a truly unique addition to any home garden or living room. There are so many varieties of China doll plants in the market – most of them have tiny glossy leaves with floating root systems while others are white with wispy green tendrils.
These plants grow at a moderate pace, making them a good choice for novice plant owners who don’t have a green thumb or simply lack time to care for their plants. However, they’re also known as a fussy plant that requires weekly repotting, adequate temperature, and special care to thrive. But once you know how to properly take care of them, they can be a wonderful addition to your space. In this article, we will go over all the details related to these succulents and what special care they might need to thrive.
How to take care of the China Doll Plant?
While the China Doll plant has many unusual features, the most important characteristic is that it only grows in a very specific temperature range: between 65° and 75° F (18°C-24° C). Since they belong to the subtropical origin, these plants prefer hot and humid conditions to grow properly. But keep in mind that you have to place them in areas with increased humidity, like the kitchen and bathroom. Although they grow in dry conditions, try misting them occasionally to maintain a glossy leaf structure when taking care. The winter season can be hard on this plant, so you must keep it away from drafts and make sure it gets lots of sunlight during the autumn and spring months when temperatures dip lower.
Light
In order to grow this particular plant, you need a sunny room with bright light and at least 4 to 5 hours of sunlight each day. But this doesn’t mean you should place them in direct sunlight. The harsh sun rays can quickly burn the delicate leaves, so try to place them in an area where they can get indirect but bright sunlight. This will help them with optimal growth. If the sun is too bright the tips of the leaves might start curling up for protection.
Water
China Doll Plant will grow in nearly any soil condition, but you may need to water it more than the average plant if your soil is rich in nutrients or has a lot of mulch on it. The average amount of water your plants will need is 1 inch per week. However, the amount of water supplied by your irrigation system should be enough to prevent over-watering the plant. To water, please ensure that the soil is well-drained before watering. When in doubt, let the soil dry out a bit first before watering again. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and allow it to drain thoroughly between waterings. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, but do not allow it to become soaked so that it is sitting in standing water at any point during watering.
As with other plants you should always have a look at the leaves of the plant as a signal if you’re overwatering or underwatering the plant. If the leaves of the china doll plant start curling you might want to adapt your watering. A general rule of thumb is that if the first 1-2 inches (2-3 cm) of the soil is dry you can water the plant again.
Fertilizer
Just like an adequate amount of water and moderate light, you must fertilize your China doll plant three times throughout the growing season with a feed high in nitrogen (such as 10-10-10). This will encourage healthy growth and increase the flowering rate. It’s better to feed them every other week or so instead of weekly because this allows the nutrients to replenish in the soil. During the winter months, fertilize monthly or every other month with a balanced fertilizer for optimal growth.
Ways To Plant a China Doll Plant
Planting a China doll plant is a fun way to give your houseplant a little boost. The roots of the plant will grow down into the soil, and it will be easy for you to take care of.
Here are some steps for planting a China doll plant:
- Choose a container that’s big enough for your new plant. The container should have drainage holes in the bottom so that excess water doesn’t sit in it and cause the soil to rot. It should also be large enough that the leafy top portion of the plant can fit inside it. If you’re using a pot with a wide rim, you’ll want to add soil or gravel to fill in the extra space.
- Apart from your actual plant meal, mix up some potting soil with compost and fertilizer for plantation.
- Fill in any empty spaces inside the container with the mixture of soil.
- Now you can sprinkle some China doll plant seeds on top of your plant, gently pack down the soil with stones and gravel and place it in a bright but partially shaded part of the house.
- Don’t forget to give it plenty of water, so it doesn’t dry out completely during hot spells.
How Do You Propagate a China Doll Plant?
When it comes to propagation, China Doll plants are a little bit different from most other plants. Here are some tips for propagating China Doll Plants:
Seeding
The best way to propagate China Doll Plants is through seed propagation. Most of the time, China dolls can be propagated from seeds of mature plants. But, since there are many variations in the China Doll Plants species, it’s always recommended to use at least two different varieties of seeds to ensure proper results in transplanting.
For propagation by seed, take two small pieces of plant material (leaves and stem) and divide them onto individual containers; then, put each piece into a separate small pot. Water thoroughly and keep moist until germination occurs. You may also need to cut back on the growing leaf if your plant is too large for a small pot.
Root Cuttings
Just like budding, rooting cuttings requires taking a stem from your plant and placing it in soil. Be sure to keep the ends of the stems clean so that they don’t rot and wait until new growth appears before removing any leaves. When new roots appear, you know it’s time to transplant the cutting into potting soil — it’s ready for its new home!
Stem propagation
Stem propagation is another option for propagating your China Doll plant. You can take a 3-6″ long leafy portion of the plant and place it directly in the moist soil for proper growth. Once potted, cover the topsoil with plastic wrap to retain the soil moisture and humidity. Try to keep the soil moist at all times for proper and even growth.
How Often Should You Prune a China Doll Plant?
Pruning is a delicate art to keep your plant healthy. If you prune too far, your plants can become leggy and weak, and if you prune too little, the leaves may dry out and never grow back properly. The best time for pruning a China doll plant is when the new growth is about three-quarters of the way out of the leaf. That’s when you can see healthy new shoots coming from the base of the plant. It can also be the time when dead leaves are falling off naturally. The best thing is you don’t have to follow a proper schedule for pruning – you can do it at any time of the year when the plant becomes unruly and out of shape.
What to do if the leaves of the china doll plant start curling?
Plants often communicate their health through their leaves. If the leaves start curling it has typically to do with watering, light or the plant has something like a fungus.
Most often you can determine if the issue is just watering or the amount of light the plant gets by watching the leaves closely over several days. Are the leaves always curled, or is there a less “stressful” phase for the plant? If the leaves relax back during the night, it means that the plant got too much sun during the day and started curling the leaves as a protection mechanism. You can check for similar patterns with your regular watering and the way the leaves behave.
Takeaway
China doll plants are delicate plants with beautiful, glossy leaves that make a dramatic impact in any garden. This plant is easy to care for in warm and humid environments but can also thrive inside, given enough sunlight and air circulation. While the China doll is not the easiest succulent to care for, it does make a wonderful addition to an indoor space. So, if you want to add some greenery and a hint of purple foliage to your home or office, these houseplants can be a perfect addition. Just be attentive to its requirements, and you’ll have a hardy and fun plant with striking white flowers on display as an added bonus!