Ehretia microphylla aka Fukien Tea

Ehretia microphylla thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C), with an ideal daytime range of 70-80°F (21-27°C). As a tropical plant, it cannot tolerate cold and should be kept above 50°F (10°C) at all times. Temperatures below 30-35°F can cause damage or death. The plant is sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations and should be protected from cold drafts and heating vents that can stress the foliage.

In nature, Ehretia microphylla grows as a multi-branched shrub reaching 1-4 meters tall, with occasional specimens growing up to 10 meters. The plant has a spreading habit with a similar width to its height (approximately 3m by 3m at maturity). As a houseplant or bonsai, size is easily controlled through regular pruning. Growth rate is moderate, with the plant responding well to training and developing dense branch structures when properly maintained.

Ehretia microphylla can be propagated from seeds or softwood cuttings taken during spring and early summer. For cuttings, select a healthy branch about 10cm long, cut just below a node, and remove the lower leaves. Place in moist growing medium and cover with a plastic bag or propagator to maintain humidity. Mist regularly and ventilate briefly each day to prevent rot. Root development is slow, typically taking 1-2 months. Bottom heat can help stimulate faster rooting.

Ehretia microphylla responds exceptionally well to pruning and is typically styled using the clip-and-grow method. Prune new shoots after 6-8 leaves have developed, cutting back to leave only 2-3 leaves. Remove dead branches, yellowed leaves, and damaged growth using clean, sharp tools. Pinch growing tips during the active season to encourage denser branching. The small leaf size means leaf pruning is rarely necessary. Treat any significant cuts with wound sealer to prevent fungal infection.

Repot Ehretia microphylla every 2-3 years in early spring when new growth begins. The plant has a fine, sensitive root system, so handle roots gently and avoid removing more than one-third of the root mass. Use a well-draining soil mix that balances moisture retention with good drainage, such as a combination of Akadama, humus, and pumice. Reduce watering immediately after repotting and provide bottom heat if possible to encourage new root growth.

Ehretia microphylla can only grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-12 (UK zone 10), which includes parts of southern California, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. In these warm climates, it thrives in full sun with protection from frost. In cooler regions, the plant can be placed outdoors during warm summer months when temperatures remain consistently above 50°F (10°C), but must be brought indoors before fall. It prefers well-drained soil and tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils.

Yellow leaves on Ehretia microphylla are commonly caused by chlorosis from watering with hard water, which interferes with iron uptake. Treat this with iron fertilizer such as Ironite. Other causes include overwatering leading to root rot, nutrient deficiency requiring balanced fertilization, or environmental stress from being moved to a new location. Check that soil is moist but not waterlogged, and consider using filtered, distilled, or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup.

Brown leaves on Ehretia microphylla typically indicate underwatering, low humidity, or environmental stress. The plant is sensitive to dry air from heating systems and benefits from regular misting. Brown tips can also result from fertilizer burn or salt buildup in soil. Spider mites, which favor dry conditions, cause stippled browning. Fukien tea commonly drops leaves when moved to new environments, which is normal stress behavior. Ensure consistent moisture, adequate humidity, and avoid frequent relocation.

Leaf drop in Ehretia microphylla is often triggered by environmental changes such as moving to a new location, temperature fluctuations, or changes in light levels. The plant is notorious for dropping leaves when stressed, then recovering with new growth. Other causes include underwatering, overwatering causing root rot, pest infestations (especially spider mites), and cold drafts. In tropical climates, some leaf drop during winter dormancy is normal. Maintain stable conditions and avoid frequent relocation.

Spider mites are the most common pest, finding this plant particularly attractive. They cause stippled, yellowed foliage and fine webbing, thriving in warm, dry conditions. Regular misting helps deter them but may encourage mealybugs. Scale insects, aphids, and whiteflies also occur. The plant is sensitive to insecticides, so use the weakest effective treatment or neem oil. Fungal diseases can enter through pruning wounds, so use clean tools and seal cuts. Chlorosis from hard water mimics disease symptoms but is treated with iron fertilizer.

The small white flowers of Ehretia microphylla are mildly fragrant. The blooms appear in clusters throughout the year under good growing conditions, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal. The scent is subtle and pleasant, typical of many Boraginaceae family flowers. The foliage itself does not have a notable fragrance.

Ehretia microphylla flowers nearly year-round in tropical conditions, producing small white star-shaped blooms measuring 8-10mm in diameter. In temperate climates or indoors, flowering typically occurs from spring through fall when conditions are favorable. The flowers appear in axillary clusters and are followed by small red to brownish-orange berries. Adequate light, proper nutrition (especially phosphorus), and consistent care encourage more prolific blooming.

Ehretia microphylla is native to tropical and subtropical regions of East and Southeast Asia. Its range extends from India through southern China (Fujian province, from which it gets the common name 'Fukien tea'), Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, to northern Australia and the Solomon Islands. It grows naturally in open, sunny habitats including thickets, shrub vegetation, and teak forests at low to moderate elevations, often in sandy or scrub forest soils.

Yes, parts of Ehretia microphylla are edible. The small red to brownish-orange fruits can be eaten raw and have a mildly sweet taste. The leaves can be dried in shade and used as a tea substitute, which is how the plant earned its common name 'Fukien tea.' The plant has an edibility rating of 2 out of 5, indicating it is edible but not a significant food source. There are no known hazards associated with consumption.

Ehretia microphylla has significant medicinal value (rated 4/5) with a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine spanning over 2,000 years. The leaves are antidiarrheal, febrifuge (fever-reducing), and stomachic, used to treat stomach disorders, dysentery, and coughs. The roots serve as an antidote to plant-based poisoning and treat hemorrhage and postpartum recovery. Research has identified active compounds including rosmarinic acid, flavonoid glycosides, and triterpenoids with antimutagenic and antibacterial properties.

Beyond its popularity as an indoor bonsai and ornamental houseplant, Ehretia microphylla is cultivated as a hedge plant in tropical gardens. Its dense branching habit and small leaves make it suitable for topiary and formal garden structures. Its other uses rating is 2 out of 5, indicating limited but notable applications beyond ornamental and medicinal purposes.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.