Overview : The Fukien Tea ('Carmona microphylla' or botanically 'Ehretia buxifolia') is a shrub-like, evergreen tropical plant of Southern Chinese descent. It is ideally an indoor plant - prefering humidity, heat and an overall temperate climate. This plant can be difficult to maintain if grown in the wrong climate.
The Fukien Tea is a very attractive subject for bonsai, with shiny, oval, dark-green leaves against a grey-green trunk with white, slightly perfumed flowers which can appear all year round if given the right conditions. Afterwards, small berries are produced changing from green to red. It can be clipped into your desired bonsai shape easily, without need of wiring.
General Care : The Fukien Tea grows well as an indoor bonsai (Depending on your climate it can be left outside and brought inside for the winter when temperatures drop below 15?C (60?F) or left inside all year as long as the plant is in a sunny position with adequate water and humidity).
Branches can be pruned all year. Pinch out new shoots that detract from the overall shape of the bonsai. Trim new shoots back to two to three leaves regularly in the growing season, and every month in winter.
Feed fortnightly from spring to autumn and monthly in winter with a low nitrogen feed. Water regularly.
Other Comments : This plant does not like shade, keep in a position of full sun - but at the same time ensure it doesn't get burnt.
Fukien Teas do not like cold weather, especially frost or cold draughts - which could be very detrimental to the plant and could even cause it to die.
