Fukien tea tree (Ehretia microphylla)
Care, watering, light and tips for Fukien tea tree on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Ehretiaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Fukien tea tree
The Fukien Tea Tree (Ehretia microphylla), also known as Carmona, is a tropical small tree or shrub popular in bonsai art for its glossy leaves, tiny white flowers, and small fruits. Its dense foliage and often gnarled trunk give it a mature and elegant appearance, ideal for well-lit indoors or subtropical gardens. It is highly valued for its fine branching ability and resilience, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced bonsai enthusiasts.
Native range
Southeast Asia, China, Taiwan, and Japan
Care tips
It requires bright, indirect light, avoiding intense direct midday sun which can scorch its leaves. Keep the substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged; water when the top layer of the substrate begins to dry out. Use a well-draining substrate, specific for bonsai or a mix rich in organic matter and coarse sand. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity, which can lead to leaf drop, so it benefits from regular misting or a humidifier.
How to save a dying Fukien tea tree
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or massive leaf drop, dry or brittle branches. General decline.
- First aid
- Check drainage. Prune dead branches. Place in bright, indirect light. High humidity.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or prolonged extreme dryness. Cold drafts.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and green shoots remain.