Photo: 曾昱承 Yu-Cheng ZengCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Chinese Raisin Tree Plant Care
Berchemia fenchifuensis C.M.Wang & S.Y.Lu
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Berchemia fenchifuensis is a unique plant known for its vibrant red leaves that turn brilliant shades of orange and yellow in the fall. Native to China, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its stunning foliage and ability to attract birds with its small berries.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chinese Raisin Tree?
Water Chinese Raisin Tree every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Chinese Raisin Tree?
Chinese Raisin Tree (Berchemia fenchifuensis) belongs to the Rhamnaceae family within the Berchemia genus. Chinese Raisin Tree is native to China. Chinese Raisin Tree is also known as Berchemia scandens.
Chinese Raisin Tree displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Chinese Raisin Tree produces small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chinese Raisin Tree?
Berchemia fenchifuensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Chinese Raisin Tree Need?
Chinese Raisin Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chinese Raisin Tree Prefer?
Berchemia fenchifuensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Chinese Raisin Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chinese Raisin Tree?
Well-draining sandy soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Raisin Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chinese Raisin Tree?
Feed Chinese Raisin Tree every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Chinese Raisin Tree?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Chinese Raisin Tree?
Chinese Raisin Tree can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to brown ivorywood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Chinese Raisin Tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chinese Raisin Tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Chinese Raisin Tree?
Chinese Raisin Tree is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Chinese Raisin Tree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Berchemia genus — compare its care with other Berchemia species on PlantoScan.
Berchemia is part of the Rhamnaceae plant family — browse all Rhamnaceae genera and species.
Chinese Raisin Tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Berchemia fenchifuensis C.M.Wang & S.Y.Lu, family Rhamnaceae (first published in Bull. Exp. Forest Natl. Taiwan Univ. 12: 9 (1990)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chinese Raisin Tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: 曾昱承 Yu-Cheng Zeng, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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