This popular, pretty China doll plant deserves a spot in your collection.
A China doll plant is grown as a houseplant for its abundant glossy-green, fernlike leaves.
Adapted from its origin as a large tree, this fast-growing plant now happily tolerates indoor-growing conditions.
Credit:BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel
A China doll plant rarely blooms indoors.
This native of Southeast Asia was introduced as a houseplant in the 1980s.
It grows up to 4 feet tall and is valued for bringing airy greenery into homes.
Credit:BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel
Plant a China doll in well-draining soil and water it often.
Position it in a bright, filtered-light location and avoid drafts.
This plant doesn’t like changing conditions.
Credit:BHG / Kelli Jo Emanuel
Provide a consistent environment, or the plant may start dropping its leaves.
With too much shade, this plant quickly becomes lanky and needs constant pruning to look maintained.
A rich potting mix provides the right environment as long as it drains well.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants prefer a warm location between 65F and 75F.
China doll also appreciates lots of humidity.
As the water evaporates, the level of humidity around the plant will rise.
Avoid letting the pot sit directly in the water, as constantly soggy soil can lead toroot rot.
Fertilizing encourages new growth, though, so keep thosepruning shearshandy.
The plant can be trimmed any time of year.
Every few months, cut back branches that have become leggy or look damaged or dying.
It may take more than one flushing, and if so, empty the drip pan each time.
Leaching is especially important when a plant has been watered with chemically softened water.
If that’s the case, flush the soil with rainwater or distilled water.
Check the plants every week and address any infestation immediately using an insecticidal soap orneem oil.
Although they love humidity, the plants may experience leaf spot if they stay wet.
Position them where the air circulates freely to avoid fungal infections.
Remove the lower leaves from your cutting, leaving just a few leaflets attached at the tip.
Dip the bottom half of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder and tap off any excess.
As soon as the cutting roots and begins to grow, pinch the tip to encourage branching.
If your feline friend nibbles on your houseplants, have no fear.
China doll plants are nontoxic for catsand for dogs and children, too.
To prevent damage from your plant, you must get rid of the infestation.
Their root system is not aggressive, so they are generally not considered invasive.
They should not choke out other plants in the area.
