Ehretia microphylla aka Fukien Tea

Taxonomy

Common names

Fukien Tea, Philippine Tea, Scorpion Bush

How to care for Fukien Tea

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Fukien Tea, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Fukien Tea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Fukien Tea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Fukien Tea requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Fukien Tea will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Fukien Tea plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Fukien Tea is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Fukien Tea does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Fukien Tea has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Fukien Tea’s native range is Worldwide.

Flower

If you provide your Fukien Tea with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia