Question of the Day: Repotting Fukien Tea?

[Vin]

About 5 or 6 years ago my son gifted me a small-leaf Fukien Tea. I thought for sure it would have died by now but no such luck. So, I'm throwing in the towel and going to try to give it some proper care (that should certainly kill it). What we know is Fukien Tea originated from China and therefore is not technically a tropical (since there are no tropics in China). If you read any respectable bonsai care source about repotting you'll get anything from early spring to mid-summer. Mine certainly needs repotted and I'd like to get it over with now but I really don't want to kill it on purpose because it was a gift. I'm looking for words of wisdom at this point.. Hit me up.

 

[Carol 83]

I have no words of wisdom, but I did repot the little one I got from Home Depot this winter, last weekend. I just combed out the roots a little to get the crappy soil out and put it in bonsai soil. It's looking happier, so far, so good. Good luck with yours.

 

[Vin]

I have no words of wisdom, but I did repot the little one I got from Home Depot this winter, last weekend. I just combed out the roots a little to get the crappy soil out and put it in bonsai soil. It's looking happier, so far, so good. Good luck with yours.

That's more wisdom than I have about them. Thanks!

 

[Cadillactaste]

No words of wisdom...but the name if mispronounced a neighbor may think I am mad at it or something...thus a species I never considered because of the pronunciation. Lol

 

[Anthony]

And it looks like ?
Good Day
Anthony

 

[petegreg]

Nah, just read u following f like it would be short oo, or better call it carmona. ?

 

[Carol 83]

Full disclosure. I was in a hurry to get out of work early yesterday, so I only told half the story. I had another cheapo Wal-mart FT for a few years. I pretty much ignored it, watered haphazardly, never changed the soil. When I decided it needed a little love, I repotted into better soil, watered more carefully, and it promptly died, just to be an ass. So, I'm 50/50 with them.

 

[Vin]

Well, since no one seemed to know much more than I, or just didn't respond, I went ahead and repotted it today. There were five additional seedlings in and amongst the pot. Turns out it has some reverse taper but it is what it is, a gift. I'll get some images up tomorrow for those that are curious.

 

[sorce]

I been wanting to get one....

We should have a Fukien your Tea tree contest!

Maybe we can finally learn more than what Anthony has taught us!

Plus....everyone can source one!

Sorce

 

[coachspinks]

Carmona Retusa, treat it pretty much like a tropical. They can tolerate a little drier conditions than most tropicals. I had a few my first go round with bonsai in the late 80's. I had a large greenhouse so they thrived.

 

[Anthony]

Extremely beautiful shrub, however it seems that some are more
tolerant of Tropical conditions.
You can tell from the response to the sun and care.

Perhaps this is happening in the North.
Some are more for colder climates ?
Good Day
Anthony

 

[coachspinks]

I did a little more reading. They have become invasive in Hawaii.

 

[Vin]

I been wanting to get one....

We should have a Fukien your Tea tree contest!

Maybe we can finally learn more than what Anthony has taught us!

Plus....everyone can source one!

Sorce

I'll send you one of the repotted seedling if you want one. Provided they survive.

 

[Vin]

So, here's what I had to work with:

 

[Vin]

..and here they are after repotting:

(This one is yours if you want it @sorce )







Gonna give it a try

 

[Vin]

Oh, and the main tree:

 

[Carol 83]

Nice job, and I like the pot too. Mine is kind of short and stubby, yours is a bit more elegant. I feel safe saying that since Mr Frary doesn't hang out in the tropical section .

 

[Cadillactaste]

I didn't see that in there...great job Vin!

 

[Vin]

Nice job, and I like the pot too. Mine is kind of short and stubby, yours is a bit more elegant. I feel safe saying that since Mr Frary doesn't hang out in the tropical section .

Good call, he'll never see it.

 

[sorce]

If it's worth shipping....

I mean ...

Wal-Mart said they won't prosecute theft under $25....! Lol!

I'll have to "owe you one".

Sorce