Fukien Tea Bonsai Care [Carmona Retusa]

These days people are getting more and more into bonsai plants because they are easy to maintain and also look extremely beautiful wherever you place them.

Are you planning to get a Fukien tea bonsai (carmona bonsai) plant and want to get more information about it?

If yes, then you are exactly where you should be. We have this full article for you where you can learn anything about the Fukien tea bonsai plant. We tell you how to take care of this beautiful plant & much more so keep reading!

Scientific NameCarmona retusa (Ehreticamicrophylla)
Height6 to 29 inches
Width8 to 16 inches
Life100 years at least
Country of OriginFujian, China
Leaf styleSmall leaves that are dark, round, and shiny
Watering needsModerate
Indoor or OutdoorMostly indoor but can be grown outdoor as well
FloweringSmall white flowers
Temperature needsWarm & humid
Maintenance levelVery easy

Fukien tea bonsai history

It is a natural behavior of us, humans, that whenever we look at something interesting or beautiful, we become more curious to learn more about its history and background.

Do you want to learn about the history of this Fukien tea bonsai plant? We got it covered for you!

Fukien tea bonsai plant originates from Southeast Asia. If we are being more specific, the exact origin of this beautiful plant is the Fujian province which is located at the southeast coast of mainland China.

It is a wonderful plant that is popular because of its small leaves that are dark green, round, and shiny.

Small white flowers can bloom on this bonsai plant and it also grows red, black, and green berries which make the plant look even more beautiful.

In western countries, this plant is mostly used as an indoor bonsai. The reason is that this plant loves to stay in warm and humid conditions and that’s why it does well when placed indoors.

Let’s move on and explore all the other aspects of this cute little plant.

Fukien tea bonsai styles

Styling is a very important matter of concern for every bonsai owner. It’s because everyone wants their plant to look good and the way they want.

EP 14 - Fukien Tea Bonsai | Carmona Retusa | First Styling

The Fukien tea bonsai plant can be easily styled and shaped the way you want it to look. You just have to train the plant the right way and just in a matter of time, you will have a stylish and attractive plant.

If you don’t have any great idea about the Fukien tea bonsai styles, then don’t worry. Just type “Fukien tea bonsai styles” in your Google search bar and you will have hundreds and thousands of images of styles of this Fukien bonsai plant.

From there, you can take an idea OR choose your favorite style and then try it on your Fukien bonsai plant.

Fukien tea bonsai care

If you are trying to grow a Fukien bonsai plant, then you will not be successful unless you provide it high quality of care.

Most people lack knowledge about taking care of Fukien bonsai plants and that’s where they fail. They keep trying incorrect techniques on their plant and end up damaging it.

If you are looking for a complete detailed guide on how to take care of a Fukien bonsai plan then keep reading because this whole section is for you!

We will teach you all the basic and advanced things that you need to take care of while growing a Fukien bonsai plant.

Fukien tea bonsai temperature

The very first thing that affects the health and growth of a Fukien bonsai plant is the temperature at which you keep the plant.

All the bonsai plants have their favorite temperature range that they always need. Any fluctuation in that temperature affects the health of the plant. The same is the case with the Fukien bonsai plant!

This bonsai plant loves to stay in warm and humid temperatures. Experts suggest that the Fukien bonsai plant prefers a temperature between 60 to 75℉. However, if the temperature occasionally drops to the forties sometimes, it still won’t have any bad impact on the plant.

When it is summer, you are recommended to protect your plant from intense heat.

Fukien tea bonsai fertilizer

Fukien tea bonsai plants are grown in a pot. Thus, you have to often feed them with fertilizer.

The reason is that there is very limited availability of nutrients present in the soil of a bonsai pot.

Fertilizing the soil ensures that your plant always has enough amount of nutrients available in the soil to stay alive, healthy, and grow rapidly.

But the incorrect supply of fertilizer can take a toll on the health of your plant and have drastic consequences.

Here’s how you should feed your Fukien tea bonsai plant:

When it is the growing season, you should feed the plant every 2 weeks. When it is winter, you should feed your plant after every 4 to 6 weeks. Make sure to water the plant enough before fertilizing to prevent root burns.

You are recommended to use a half-strength fertilizer that is specially made for the Fukien bonsai plants. You can also use a solid organic fertilizer as it will work well for this bonsai as its roots are sensitive. Liquid fertilizer can also be used but only in a carefully measured amount.

But you should never use Miracid and also never overfeed your plant as it can prove to be deadly.

If the tree is transplanted or repotted then you should never feed it before 2 weeks at least.

Follow these given instructions to successfully fertilize your Fukien tea bonsai plant and promote its growth.

Fukien tea bonsai wiring

Wiring is done for training and styling the bonsai plants. It helps the owners to customize the shape & style of their plant the way they want. This makes the plant look very beautiful.

When it comes to wiring and pruning the Fukien tea bonsai plant, experts say that this tree handles pruning very well. The tender and young shoots of this plant are very flexible and can be easily wired.

However, the branches and mature twigs are brittle and less flexible. Therefore, you are recommended to be very careful and gentle while trying to wire and bend them.

Moreover, you should also use appropriate tools to make sure that there is no damage.

Fukien tea bonsai repotting

Repotting the bonsai tree is extremely important to keep it surviving and growing.

But you need to know that incorrect repotting can prove devastating for your plant and end up killing it.

The common mistakes which people make include repotting the plant before time and using the wrong soil mixture, etc.

What is the right way to do so?

Well, experts say that you should be repotting your Fukien tea bonsai plant every 2 years during the springtime. The roots of this plant are very sensitive therefore, you should be very careful while pruning them.

Repotting Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree

The soil mixture you will use should be well at draining and retaining the moisture. The reason is that the Fukien tea tree is very sensitive to excess wetness and drought.

This way you can safely perform the repotting of your Fukien tea bonsai plant and keep it very healthy.

Fukien tea bonsai pests and diseases

Is the Fukien tea bonsai plant vulnerable to attack by pests and diseases?

Scientists say that the Fukien tea bonsai plant can suffer from whiteflies and spider mites under inadequate conditions. It can be treated by using insecticides sticks or sprays but that’s a short-term solution. For a permanent solution, you should provide the right amount of humidity and enough natural light.

These plants can also develop chlorosis if you will give them hard water. You can treat chlorosis by using iron fertilizer.

Some fungus can infiltrate your plant through fresh wounds. That’s why we recommend you to use clean tools and also timely treat the fresh wounds with the help of cut-paste.

Fukien tea bonsai soil

Fukien tea bonsai plants do not like drought and excess wetness.

Therefore, you should use bonsai soil that is good at retaining and draining moisture.

Such soil will keep your plant healthy and ever-growing.

Fukien tea bonsai watering

Watering the plant on time is crucial for its survival and growth.

However, too much or too little watering can hurt the health of your plant.

What is the right approach for watering the Fukien tea bonsai plants?

Well, experts suggest that you should keep the soil moist but also be careful and do not overwater the plant.

This is the key to keeping the plant healthy.

How to water Fukien tea bonsai

If the soil of the Fukien tea bonsai plant gets dry then you should be watering it generously.

However, do not leave the plant with excess water as it can hurt the plant.

Fukien tea bonsai sunlight requirements

Light is extremely necessary for every plant to prepare its food and survive.

Just like any other plant, the Fukien bonsai plant also needs sunlight.

Traditionally, it is an indoor plant but you can keep it outside during very warm climates.

This plant requires a lot of light therefore if you are keeping it indoors then you should place it close to a window where it can get plenty of natural light.

But if you are growing it outdoors, the good news is that this plant can tolerate different levels of light such as sunny and shady.

Is Fukien tea a good option for bonsai

Yes, the Fukien tea plant is a good option for bonsai.

This plant has very beautiful leaves that make the entire space look attractive and relaxing.

Moreover, the best thing about this plant is that it likes a warm and humid environment. Now if you are living somewhere where you don’t have a lawn for growing plants outdoors, you can easily grow this plant in indoor conditions as well.

This is the reason experts suggest that the Fukien tea plant is a perfect choice for the bonsai.

Does Fukien tea bonsai have flowers?

No doubt that every plant looks more attractive with flowers.

Does the Fukien tea bonsai plant also grow flowers?

The answer is yes.

Fukien Tea Bonsai Tree Flowering

Fukien bonsai plants can often grow small white flowers that look very cute. However, that’s not the end. Fukien bonsai plant also grows small red, black, and green-colored berries which further enhance the beauty of your plant.

Why are my Fukien tea bonsai leaves drooping?

If your Fukien bonsai plant has started to drop its leaves, then you must be thinking that what went wrong? Why did this happen?

Well, there can be multiple reasons behind that.

1. Overwatering

If you are giving more water to your plant than its needs then it will cause the drooping of leaves.

2. Underwatering

Not giving water to the plant on time will cause its leaves to dry up, they will eventually start drooping & then fall.

3. Poor lighting

Light is very important for a plant to prepare its food and survive on its own.

When your plant will not receive enough light then it will not be able to prepare its food. Hence, the plant will start getting weaker and weaker.

Its leaves will start drooping and eventually fall on the ground.

4. Incorrect fertilization

Fertilization is necessary for the growth of a plant. However, incorrect fertilization can affect the health of this bonsai plant.

If you have used the wrong fertilizer or given an excessive amount (more than what is needed) then its leaves will start drooping and fall.

5. Repotting issues

If you have made some big mistakes while repotting the plant, like poor soil quality or damaging the roots while pruning then it will stop the growth of your plant.

Eventually, its leaves start turning yellow then they drop.

6. Temperature changes

Like we told you above, the Fukien bonsai plant has a favorable range of temperature. If you will expose the plant to too hot or too cold temperature then its leaves will start drooping and may even fall.

Why are my Fukien tea Bonsai leaves turning yellow?

If the leaves of your Fukien bonsai tea plant are turning yellow then you must be thinking that what’s the reason?

Well, there can be many reasons:

  1. Insect or disease attack.
  2. Watering problems.
  3. Incorrect fertilization.
  4. Inadequate lighting.
  5. Wrong repotting.
  6. Temperature changes.
  7. Poor soil quality.

How to save a Fukien tea bonsai?

Is your Fukien tea bonsai is dying and do you want to save it somehow?

Are you clueless and don’t know what to do?

Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Start pruning all the dead sectionsof your Fukien bonsai plant.
  2. Prune the roots and remove all the dead, damaged, and infected parts.
  3. Put your bonsai plant in water and let it rest there for some time.
  4. Prepare the soil and container for your plant. The soil should have moisture-retaining and draining abilities.
  5. Repot the plant into the new container and soil.
  6. Place the plant at a suitable place where it gets enough light and the right temperature.
  7. Start giving an adequate amount of water to your plant and keep watering it on time regularly.
  8. Make sure to give enough time andcare to your plant and follow the guidelines given in this article to keep your plant healthy and rapidly growing.

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