Care and Propagation of the Fukien Tea

Fukien tea - Ehretia microphylla - I am told Fukien Tea are a tropical shrub originating in Southern China . It is very popular for bonsai in China , but not a traditional favorite in Japan . It can be grown outdoors in warm climates,and is quite popular as an indoor bonsai.

This is my Fukien tea, this plant came from Korea. Fukien tea prefer temperatures between 60-72F in winter, although occasional dips into the forties produce no ill effects. If it is going to frost I recommend moving it inside for the night. I didn’t one Fall and lost all my early buds. In the summer, most books recommend protection from extreme heat, although the plant has been successfully grown in sweltering Texas weather and mine loves the Riverside, CA heat.

I use a sandy soil with about a 60% mix of decomposed granite and agricultural pumas and 40% organic additives and keep it well watered, reducing watering only slightly in winter. Never allow the soil to dry out completely. A number of times I have thought my tree was sick or dying only to find out over time that it will drop leaves if under watered and over watering will result in yellow, sickly leaves so find a happy medium. Here is a closeup of this Fukien scared bark.

I only feed my plant about once a month during the spring and early summer, every four-six weeks in winter. I use half strength Miracle Grow, Fukien tea does not like to be overfed.

Pruning your Fukien Tea

Prune new shoots after six to eight leaves have appeared. The leaves are tiny enough that leaf pruning should not be necessary. Fukien are generally styled through pruning alone. I do not recommend wiring but if you must remember wire should not be left on over two months

Fukien Tea are suitable for any style, although broom and literati are especially nice. Its small leaves and fine branch ramification make it ideal for bonsai.

Propagation and care

Propagation can be by seed or softwood cuttings in spring or summer. Cuttings root more readily if given bottom heat. Repotting is required only every 2-3 years, in early spring. Reduce water after root pruning. Bottom heat helps stimulate new root growth. Use basic soil mix.

Pests and diseases: Aphids, scale, chlorosis, mealy-bugs, snails. Red spider mites find this plant a special treat, and will attack it over any other plants in the area. Unfortunately, Fukien tea is very sensitive to insecticides, and Diazinon will kill the tree. Use the weakest insecticide possible that will address a particular problem, or if possible, employ predator insects.