Fukien Tea Tree
Carmona retusa
Retusa
About this plant
Carmona retusa, commonly known as the Fukien Tea Tree, is a small evergreen shrub often grown as a bonsai. It has small, glossy green leaves and produces tiny white flowers followed by small berries. It is valued for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers, making it a popular ornamental plant indoors and in bonsai collections.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Carmona
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Higher classification
- Order: Boraginales
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Southeast Asia
- Distribution
- Native to Southeast Asia, cultivated worldwide as an ornamental and bonsai plant.
Care
- Light preference
- Bright indirect
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 3–7 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 18–25 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 10–12
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil type
- well-draining potting mix
Watering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in water to prevent root rot. Increase watering during warmer months and reduce in winter.
Fertilizing. Feed Carmona retusa with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early autumn). Reduce feeding in winter when growth slows.
Carmona retusa is a moderately easy plant to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. It needs regular watering but the soil should dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot. It benefits from occasional fertilizing and pruning to maintain shape.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Seeds
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- spring–summer
Glossy small green leaves, tiny white flowers, and small berries; attractive bonsai form.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets, safe to keep around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- None
Carmona retusa may cause mild skin irritation in some sensitive people due to its sap. It is not known to produce airborne pollen that triggers allergies. To reduce exposure, avoid direct contact with the sap and wash hands after handling the plant.
Common problems
Common problems include leaf yellowing from overwatering, leaf drop if kept too cold or in low light, and occasional pests like aphids or spider mites.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental plant and popular for bonsai due to its small leaves and attractive flowers.
Notes
Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.