China Doll Golden

Description

Here’s a friendly, all-around care guide for your China Doll (Radermachera sinica), also known as the “emerald tree” or “serpent tree.” I’m drawing from trusted gardening sources to provide you with best practices for keeping it healthy and vibrant—especially in a Kerala context!

Light & Placement

• Place your China Doll in bright, indirect light—about 4–5 hours daily. East- or west-facing windows are ideal. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch delicate leaves. (The Spruce, Gardening Know How, Better Homes & Gardens)
• Rotate the plant occasionally to encourage even growth and prevent legginess. (The Spruce)

Temperature & Humidity

• Prefers 65–75 °F (18–24 °C). Avoid drafts, heaters, and sudden temperature swings—all can cause stress and leaf drop. (The Spruce, Mahoney’s Garden Center, Gardening Know How)
• High humidity is beneficial. Try placing the pot on a pebble tray or grouping it with other humid-loving plants. A small humidifier or regular misting can also help. (The Spruce, Mahoney’s Garden Center, Better Homes & Gardens)

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Check by sticking your finger 1 in (2–3 cm) into the soil. Water when the top inch feels dry. (The Spruce, Gardening Know How, Mahoney’s Garden Center)
• Always use a pot with good drainage to prevent “wet feet” and root rot. (The Spruce, Better Homes & Gardens)

Soil & Potting

• Use a well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral potting mix—amend with perlite or sand if needed. (The Spruce, Gardening Know How)
• China Doll prefers to be somewhat root-bound. Only repot when absolutely necessary—and then increase pot size by just 1–2 inches. (The Spruce, Gardening Know How, Better Homes & Gardens)

Fertilizing

• During the growing season (spring and summer), feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. (The Spruce, Mahoney’s Garden Center)
• Reduce to every 6–8 weeks in fall and winter when growth slows. (The Spruce, healthyhouseplants.com)

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune regularly to maintain form and size. Trim leggy or unhealthy growth any time of year. (The Spruce, Better Homes & Gardens)
• If leaves drop due to stress, trim the plant back by half and adjust care—this encourages new growth. (Gardening Know How)

Pests & Troubleshooting

• Watch for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Treat quickly with neem oil or insecticidal soap. (The Spruce, Better Homes & Gardens)
• Leaf drop is often triggered by abrupt changes in environment—light, watering, temperature, or repotting. Keep conditions stable to avoid shock. (Gardening Know How, Illinois Extension)
• A user on Reddit humorously noted:
  

  “China Dolls are absolute drama queens… the soil MUST stay consistently moist. If you allow the soil to dry out between watering, leaves will drop like mad.” (Reddit)

Propagation (Optional)

• You can propagate via stem cuttings. Use green, non-woody cuttings and root in water or moist soil under high humidity for 3–6 weeks. (The Spruce, Better Homes & Gardens, Mahoney’s Garden Center)

Quick Reference Table