Fukien Tea Tree
Intermediate Level
Care Profile
The Fukien Tea Tree Bonsai (Carmona retusa) is a beloved tropical evergreen known for its delicate white flowers that can bloom year-round, small glossy leaves, and attractive, rugged bark. Because it is highly sensitive to cold, low light, sudden temperature changes, and is prone to leaf-drop from improper watering, it is generally rated as an intermediate to advanced difficulty level, despite its beautiful indoor presence.
Guides for Fukien Tea Tree
Fukien Tea Tree Sun Exposure Guide
Light is the "fuel" the tree uses to produce its iconic tiny white flowers and glossy green leaves.
Fukien Tea Tree Pests and Disease Guide
Early detection is the difference between a minor cleanup and losing the tree entirely.
Fukien Tea Tree - Choosing a Ceramic Pot
Before selecting a pot, you must consider how the tree presents itself visually and what it needs biologically.
Fukien Tea Tree Fertilisation Guide
it grows throughout the year, meaning it requires a steady, uninterrupted supply of nutrients.
Fukien Tea Tree Propagation Guide
Because the Fukien Tea is a tropical species, the key to successful propagation is heat and high humidity.
Fukien Tea Tree Repotting Guide
Done correctly, it revitalises the tree; done poorly or at the wrong time, it can lead to total leaf drop or death
Fukien Tea Tree Watering Guide
Not too dry, not too wet—is the secret to keeping this tropical species alive.
Fukien Tea Tree Wiring Guide
If you bend a branch too far, it won't just "bend back"—it will snap like a dry twig.
Fukien Tea Tree - Bonsai Care Guide
Tropical Tree, Never expose the tree to temperatures below 12C. Ideal indoor temperatures range from 18C - 24C. Requires as much natural light as possible
Fukien Tea Tree Pruning Guide
The goal is to let a shoot grow long enough to thicken, then cut it back to force new growth closer to the trunk.
Fukien Tea Tree Temperature Guide
Temperature is the primary reason this tree is kept indoors in most climates. If the temperature is wrong, the tree's metabolism stalls