Showy Foliage
Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
Average Watering Needs
Mature Height 4-6 Feet

The elegant China Doll Plant is botanically named Radermachera sinica, but is more commonly known as the serpent or emerald tree. With its delicate, dark-green leaves on a bushy habit, it is a great plant for adding some greenery to your home or office environment. Native to the mountainous regions of subtropical China, it can grow well as a houseplant if given the right conditions.

Best Locations For Growing China Doll Plant

The China Doll Plant is not considered toxic, although care should still be taken in growing this plant around pets or children. It can tolerate average humidity so can be grown in most indoor spaces.

China Doll Plant Sunlight Requirements

To thrive, the China Doll Plant needs to receive around 4 to 5 hours of bright indirect sunlight per day. Slightly diffused light near an east- or north-facing window tends to be ideal for this plant. If its growth becomes too leggy, it may not be getting enough light.

China Doll Plant Care

Requiring a warm environment to thrive, the China Doll Plant likes to be kept between 65 to 75 °F, away from any drafts. Even though this plant can tolerate relatively dry conditions, it is best grown with a bit of extra humidity that can be provided with regular misting or placing the plant on a wet pebble tray. The China Doll Plant can grow fast and may need regular pruning to keep it to shape and prevent it from becoming leggy. To prune this plant, any overgrown, misshapen or dying stems can be cut back to just above a leaf node with sanitized tools. Preferring to be kept a bit root-bound, repotting is only advisable if strictly necessary.

Watering China Doll Plant

The China Doll Plant prefers to be grown in a soil that is kept moist but not wet, as an overly wet soil can lead to root rot. Generally, this plant needs to be watered once the top inch of soil is dry; watering can be reduced during the winter months. To help prevent root rot, allow any excess water to drain away from the soil after watering.

Feeding China Doll Plant

The China Doll Plant can be fed every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength to keep its foliage lush and healthy. Feeding this plant during the winter is not necessary.

China Doll Plant Information

Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light

Care Requirements: Easy

Watering Requirements: Average - When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.

Pet Friendly: No

Kid Friendly: No

Air Purifier: Moderate

Habit: Upright

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Mature Height: 4-6 feet

Mature Spread: 1-3 feet

Flowering: Yes

Flower Color(s): White, Yellow

Flower Shade/Description: White, Yellow

Fragrant:

Foliage Type:

Foliage Color(s): Green

Foliage Description: Green Foliage

Temperature: 65° - 75°F (18° - 24°C)

Humidity: Average (40% - 60%)

Common Name: China Doll Plant

Other Name(s): China Doll, Serpent Tree And Emerald Tree

Scientific Name: Radermachera sinica

Plant Type: House Plant

SKU:: Radermachera_China.Doll-HP

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

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China Doll Plant