Bonsai care guidelines for the Fukien tea (carmona)

Originating from China (from the province Fuijan, hence the name), where it’s still very popular for Penjing purposes, the Fukien is a popular indoor Bonsai tree. Its small dark-green shiny leaves are covered with hairs. In late spring/early summer small flowers appear that later on make place for small dark berries.

Position: The Fukien Tea is an indoor tree, which can only be placed outside in warm climates. It prefers a bright spot without too much direct sunlight though. The best temperature is around 20 degrees C (68F), make sure it doesn’t experience much lower temperatures.

Watering: Keep the tree moist, as it doesn’t like droughts. But be careful not to water too often either.

Feeding: Fertilize the tree once to twice every month from spring till autumn, less often during the winter.

Pruning: The Fukien tree can take pruning quite well, regular pruning will make the tree grow a dense branch structure.

Repotting: In early spring about every two years. Use a normal soil mixture.

Propagation: From seeds or by using cuttings in summer.

More information
For tree identification see the Bonsai care forum. General guidelines can be found in our Bonsai care section.