Bonsai - Carmona microphylla - Fukien Tea Tree

Scientific Name
Carmona microphylla (Associated with Carmona, Spain; plant with small leaves)

Common Name
Fukien Tea Tree, Fujian, Fukien Bonsai, Carmona Bonsai

Origin
Originates in the Fujian province of China, also native to other parts of Asia and even Australia

Description
Bonsai trees are not naturally tiny; they are cultivated, pruned and trained to grow in these minute proportions. The Fukien Tea Tree grows up to 3m in the wild, in fact! It has dark green leaves with tiny white hairs, can bloom with white, star-shaped flowers at any time of year and produces fruit which ripens to a deep red. In the UK, it is grown as an indoor bonsai as it would be far too cold for it outside for most of the year!

Light
The Fukien Tea Tree needs a lot of light, so place it in a bright window, ideally south facing. In winter it would benefit from a grow light too, to make up for the shorter daylight hours. Make sure it is not too close to a radiator or sat in a draught!

Water
Water when the top of the soil dries out, but make sure it drains and is not sat in a puddle as it will suffer if left with soggy roots!

Humidity
Bonsais like average to high humidity, and like it to be stable. Make sure they are not close to a radiator which would dry them out; they will benefit from misting or hosing down their leaves regularly or the introduction of a humidity tray.

Soil
Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix, for example, one with added pumice. Repot every couple of years in early spring. Its root system is sensitive, so if you are pruning it (which is done to keep the tree small), be careful!

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, and reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Pre-water the soil if using liquid fertiliser to protect the sensitive roots.

Temperature
Temperatures of 20°C are perfect- make sure it doesn't drop much below this, and take special care in winter.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.

Sprouts Top Tips
Bonsai trees don't naturally grow this small- if you want to keep it miniature, you'll need to prune regularly. The Fukien tree will respond well to pruning the branches, becoming bushier, but take care when pruning its sensitive roots! If you want your tree to grow in interesting shapes, it may be worth doing further research into bonsai wiring. Lots of time and care go into making these plants look so incredible!