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Fukien Tea

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Old 17-Nov-2001   #1
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Fukien Tea

I have a 9" Fukien Tea (or Philippean Tea) which I purchased at Kroger last spring. I've had it outdoors in partial shade all summer and it has done very well, producing thick green foilage and plenty of tiny white flowers. I've watered it daily to every other day during the hot weather of summer. (TN 70-90 all summer)

Now that it's gotten colder (30-70) I've brought the tree inside and placed in in a south-facing window. Since inside, it seems to be dropping leaves at an alarming rate (1-2/day). So in desparation, I've been placing it back outdoors during the day and bringing it in at night to aviod the frost.

Harry Tomlinson's book (Complete Book of Bonsai) says this is a 60-75 degree tree, and is a suitable indoor tree. He says to 'water sparingly' in the winter. (what exactly is 'sparingly?') However, I'm also finding reports that say 'do not overwater' due to root rot, and still others that say 'do not let dry out'.

I'm not sure where to go with this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My tree will soon have few leaves if I don't figure this out.

Thanks,
-Duke
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Old 24-Nov-2001   #2
JLK
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Re: Fukien Tea

I have read that Fukiens are incredibly susceptable to almost all insects & that the decreased humidity associated with bringing the tree indoors makes them even more susceptable. A south-facing window should be fine. Many trees drop leaves when their environment is changed so maybe OK. I'm no Dr. Bonsai but I'd A) Mist frequently with water or even better put on a pebble tray & B) treat with an insecticide that is safe (like the insecticidal soap SAFER @ 3 oz per gallon). I've heard Fukiens are sensitive to diazinon so heads up if you use a different insecticide.
Good LucK!
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Old 25-Nov-2001   #3
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Re: Fukien Tea

It may be reacting to the low light in the house as opposed to what it was getting outdoors. Even a south facing window doesn't get much light this time of year with the short days and low sun angles. You'll probably need a grow light if you really want it to grow and not just keep it alive through the winter.

How often to water depends on several things. The type soil mix you have is the most important. With a coarse non organic soil it's almost impossible to overwater because the soil holds so little water in the first place. Temperature and humidity also play a big part in how fast the soil dries out.

The best general advice I can give for a number of conditions is to learn to feel the soil for moisture content. Let the top 1/4" [more in a deep pot ] of soil dry between waterings. water when the top of the soil is dry but is still slightly damp underneath. Fully saturate the root ball when you water and don't water again until it needs it.

Tony
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