China doll plant Plant Care

China doll plant (Radermachera xylocarpa) belongs to the Bignoniaceae family within the Radermachera genus. China doll plant is native to India. China doll plant is also known as Serpent tree.

China doll plant displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. China doll plant produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted China doll plant every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

China doll plant thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing China doll plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Radermachera xylocarpa tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. China doll plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for China doll plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed China doll plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to full sun and well-draining, fertile soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

China doll plant is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

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

China doll plant can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune China doll plant 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 tree in one year.

China doll plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

China doll plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to china doll plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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China doll plant 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.

China doll plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. China doll plant is native to India. In cooler regions, grow China doll plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.