Ma huang Plant Care

Ma huang (Ephedra sinica) belongs to the Ephedraceae family within the Ephedra genus. Ma huang is native to Mongolia, northern China, and Russia. Ma huang is also known as Chinese ephedra.

Ma huang displays a low shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Ma huang produces inconspicuous, small flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ma huang every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Ma huang thrives in full sun.

Ephedra sinica tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Ma huang prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.

Sandy, well-draining soil with low organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Ma huang to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun and sandy, well-draining soil with low organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ma huang is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Ma huang can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Ma huang while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Ma huang is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ma huang can be propagated through seed propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mormon tea plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Ma huang is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. 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.

Ma huang grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ma huang is native to Mongolia, northern China, and Russia. In cooler regions, grow Ma huang as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.