Osmanthus heterophyllus aka Chinese Holly
Taxonomy
Common names
Chinese Holly, Holly Osmanthus, Holly OliveHow to care for Chinese Holly
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Chinese Holly, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Chinese Holly should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Chinese Holly 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
Chinese Holly thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Holly Olive.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Chinese Holly plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of Chinese Holly is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Chinese Holly’s native range is E. Asia - Japan, Taiwan.
More info:
Wikipedia