Fukien tea - Carmona
microphylla or Ehretia microphylla
 General Information: A very small genus of
tropical tree which was once referred to (and still
often listed as) Carmona. The most widely known Ehretia
species is the Fukien tea, a tropical shrub originating
in Southern China and other parts of Southeast Asia. It
is very popular for bonsai in China, but not a
traditional favorite in Japan. It can be grown outdoors
in warm climates, but is quite popular as an indoor
bonsai. Ehretia anacua, a recent addition to bonsai, is
more resistant to heat and draught.
Lighting: Likes a
bright position (1000 Lux). Most sources recommend only
about an hour of direct sunlight daily, although success
has been reported growing it in a sunny position all
day.
Temperature: Ehretia
prefers temperatures between 60-72F in winter, although
occasional dips into the forties produce no ill effects.
In the summer, most books recommend protection from
extreme heat, although the plant has been successfully
grown in sweltering Texas weather. Ehretia does not like
draughts.
Watering: Keep well
watered, reducing watering only slightly in winter.
Never allow Ehretia to stand in water, or allow the soil
to dry out completely. Frequent misting will discourage
spider mites, but will apparently encourage mealy bugs.
Choose your poison! Ehretia anacua, a Texas native, is
more resistant to draughts, and likes to dry out a bit
between waterings, but should not be allowed to become
bone dry.
Feeding: Every two
weeks during growth, every four-six weeks in winter. Use
bonsai food or half strength plant food. Do NOT use
Miracid. Fukien tea does not like to be overfed;
Lesniewicz suggests watering well before feeding to
avoid root burn. Feeding weekly has been reported with
success - I would guess that frequency of feeding
can be increased as long as the strength of the food is
kept diluted.
Pruning and wiring:
Prune new shoots after six to eight leaves have
appeared. The leaves are tiny enough that leaf pruning
should not be necessary. Can be wired any time during
the growing season, but it is generally styled through
pruning alone. Wire should not be left on over three
months. Its small leaves and fine branch ramification
make
it ideal for miniature bonsai. Ehretia anacua does not
ramify as well, and its stiff branches make wiring
dangerous. It has a strong tendency towards apical
growth, and
needs constant pinching of topmost branches. It buds
back readily on
old wood, and is suitable for any style, although broom
and literati are especially nice.
Propagation: By seed or softwood cuttings in
spring or summer. Cuttings root more readily if given
bottom heat.
Repotting: Every 2-3
years, in early spring. Reduce water after root pruning.
Bottom heat helps stimulate new root growth. Use basic
soil mix. Ehretia anacua is a faster grower than other
Ehretia species, and may need yearly repotting in hot
climates. It may be repotted spring-fall, but should be
defoliated in the heat of summer. Beware of
snapping thick roots - they are more brittle than they
appear.
Pests and diseases:
Aphids, scale, chlorosis, mealy-bugs, snails. Red spider
mites find this plant a special treat, and will attack
it over any other plants in the area. Unfortunately,
Fukien tea is very sensitive to insecticides, and
Diazinon will kill the tree. Use the weakest insecticide
possible that will address a particular problem, or if
possible, employ predator insects. Will drop leaves if
underwatered. Overwatering results in yellow, sickly
leaves. It is quite sensitive to sudden changes in
temperature and lighting. Ehretia anacua is more
resistant to pests, with leaf miners being the only
reported problem.
|
