Carmona bonsai, Ref. 3002

Carmona macrophylla (Fukien Tea) is one of most popular plant for growing in the bonsai style. It is called a tea tree mainly because of its external resemblance to a real tea tree. Its attractiveness is due to its miniature shiny leaves, white fragrant flowers that can appear year round and decorative fruit. The evergreen tropical plant is native to China, but is also common in Japan, Indonesia and other Asian countries.

Age: 12 years
Height: 26 cm

Placement
Carmona is traditionally grown indoors, but in summer it can be kept outdoors, but on cold nights (below +15°C) it should be brought indoors. Place the plant only in well-lit areas.
It prefers high humidity (60% and above). Regular spraying, placing a tray with damp pebbles or using a humidifier is necessary. Do not place the tree near a heating radiator, fan or air conditioner.
In summer, avoid direct midday rays outdoors - sunburns can occur on the leaves.
Avoid moving the tree from place to place frequently.

Temperature
Prefers a stable temperature between +18...+25 °C. Extremely sensitive to drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Cannot tolerate cold: temperatures below +15 °C during the growing season stress the plant.

Watering
Regular watering is required, but without overwatering. The soil should always be slightly moist, but not soggy. Use warm water that has been standing for at least a day without lime.
In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced, but drying out is not allowed. Watering should be done by observation, not by schedule. Water the tree abundantly as soon as the soil surface becomes dry.

Soil
Must be loose, air and water permeable, pH 4-6.
Ideal composition:
- 50% acadamа
- 10% kiryuzuna
- 20% peat
- 20% sand + perlite

Fertilization
During the period of active growth (spring-summer), feed with a balanced solid organic fertilizer following the instructions for use (see here).

Pruning and wiring
Carmona tree tolerates shaping very well, and regular pruning will grow thick branches. Young shoots are tender and flexible, so they are easy to cut or wire. Mature branches and twigs are hard and brittle, so use appropriate tools for pruning, and be careful when wire tying and bending branches.
Removing the tops of young shoots to stimulate branching is done after the growth of 4-5 pairs of leaves (leave 2-3 pairs).
Pruning of branches is done in spring before the active sap movement begins. Remove branches that are too long, pointing inward or competing.
Tools should be sharp and clean.
When wire forming, aluminum or copper wire with a diameter of 1, 0-1, 5 mm is used. Apply at an angle of 45°, not too tightly, so that the wire does not cut into the bark. The wire is removed after 2-3 months, when the branches are fixed in the new position.

Winterization
Occurs at +12...+15 °C. The duration of the daylight hours in winter is limited, so artificial supplementary lighting with phytolamps with diffused light is used (12-14 hours of light per day is required). The influence of dry air can be compensated for by spraying (1-2 times a day) and placing the pot with the plant on a tray with moist pebbles.
When ventilation during the winter months, make sure that the plant is not exposed to cold or frosty air. Keep away from cold windowsills and windows. Watering should be reduced, but make sure the roots do not dry out.

Repotting
Young trees are transplanted in spring every 1-2 years, adults - every 3 years. When transplanting, up to 1/3 of the roots can be cut. The presence of drainage (see lava, pumice) at the bottom of the pot is mandatory. After transplanting - do not feed for at least 3 weeks.
Drainage at the bottom of the pot is necessary.

Pests and diseases
When growing in unsuitable conditions, carmona can suffer from spider mites, aphids and whiteflies. To some extent, insecticides in the form of:
- sprays insecticides;
- warm shower;
- high humidity (spray with water, cover with a transparent film and keep for a few hours).
For long-term success, it is important to provide plenty of natural light and adequate humidity. Watering with hard water can cause the leaves to show signs of chlorosis. Fertilizers containing iron and spraying with ferrous sulfate can help.
Fungal diseases can enter through fresh wounds - this is dangerous to individual branches and even the entire tree. Be sure to use clean tools and treat all fresh wounds with healing wound paste (see here).

Possible problems and causes:
- falling leaves - overwatering, drafts;
- leaf tips drying out - dry air, lack of moisture;
- yellowing leaves - chlorosis, overwatering, lack of nutrition;
- sticky leaves - pests.
- to poor watering the plant reacts by dropping all the leaves, new leaves together with flower buds will grow in a light place within 3 weeks.

Despite the large list of works in the cultivation of carmona, miniature tree will constantly make you happy and delight with its beauty and uniqueness.