Boraginaceae
Fukien tea tree: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Ehretia microphylla
Requires plenty of light but protection from harsh midday sun, in a well-draining bonsai soil mix kept consistently slightly moist. It prefers high humidity and warmth between 18–29°C (64–84°F) and should not be exposed to temperatures below 12°C (54°F). Due to its sensitive root system, watering errors—either drying out or prolonged waterlogging—pose the greatest risk.
Every 4 days
Bright indirect
13° - 29°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Fukien tea tree?
Fukien tea tree (Ehretia microphylla) is a medium-care plant from the Boraginaceae family. The Fukien tea tree (Ehretia microphylla, synonym Carmona retusa) is an evergreen shrub in the borage family (Boraginaceae), native to South and Southeast Asia, ranging from India through China and Japan to northern Australia. Its small, shiny, dark green, and rough-textured leaves are 1.5–4 cm long...
Fukien tea tree grows up to 4.0m, watering every 4 days, 13°C – 29°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Fukien tea tree is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 8 days.
How to Care for Fukien tea tree?
TLDR: Fukien tea tree needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 13-29°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Fukien tea tree?
Check the top 1–2 cm of soil with your finger: if dry, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the top layer to dry again before the next watering. This may mean daily watering in summer or every 3–5 days in cooler months—do not let the root ball dry out completely or sit in stagnant water.
How Much Light Does Fukien tea tree Need?
Place in a bright east or west window where it receives plenty of indirect light with some direct morning sun; protect from full midday summer sun as the leaves can scorch. In low light conditions, shoots will become leggy, foliage will thin out, and flowering will cease.
What Is the Best Soil for Fukien tea tree?
A loose, well-draining, airy bonsai soil mix is ideal, such as a combination of akadama, lava rock or pumice, and a small amount of aged organic matter—compact, water-retentive garden soil will lead to root rot.
What Pot Should You Use for Fukien tea tree?
A shallow bonsai pot with good drainage holes that just accommodates the root ball—this helps maintain a compact root system and balanced growth.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Fukien tea tree and Where Does It Come From?
The Fukien tea tree (Ehretia microphylla, synonym Carmona retusa) is an evergreen shrub in the borage family (Boraginaceae), native to South and Southeast Asia, ranging from India through China and Japan to northern Australia. Its small, shiny, dark green, and rough-textured leaves are 1.5–4 cm long; it produces tiny, star-shaped white flowers year-round, followed by reddish-orange, pea-sized berries. In nature, it can grow up to 4 meters tall, but due to its branching habit and trunk that thickens over time, it has become one of the most popular indoor bonsai species in Western bonsai culture—its name refers to the Fujian (formerly Fukien) province of China, from where it entered the bonsai trade. In the Philippines, a decoction made from its leaves was traditionally used to treat coughs, diarrhea, and stomach complaints.
How to Propagate Fukien tea tree?
Stem Cuttings
Keep the propagation medium consistently moist and ventilate daily to prevent mold growth.
- 1 Cut an 8–10 cm long semi-hardwood shoot just below a leaf node
- 2 Remove the lower leaves, leaving only 2–3 leaves at the top
- 3 Dip the cut end into rooting hormone
- 4 Plant in a moist, loose propagation medium
- 5 Cover with plastic film to maintain high humidity
- 6 Keep in a warm spot with indirect light until roots develop
Materials needed:
Seed Sowing
Specimens grown from seed develop into bonsai more slowly than those grown from cuttings.
- 1 Soak seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water
- 2 Sow them shallowly in a moist seed-starting medium
- 3 Maintain a temperature between 24–28°C until germination
- 4 Keep consistently moist but without standing water
- 5 Gradually acclimate seedlings to stronger light
Materials needed:
How Big Does Fukien tea tree Grow?
TLDR: Fukien tea tree can reach up to 4.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
4.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Leaf decoction traditionally used to soothe coughs
- Relief of diarrhea and stomach complaints in folk medicine
- Topical treatment for minor wounds in traditional medicine
Culinary Uses
- A tea-like infusion can be made from fresh or dried leaves, primarily for traditional rather than culinary consumption.
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Fukien tea tree?
TLDR: Fukien tea tree is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, soft-bodied, winged insects closely related to aphids and mealybugs. They are moth-like in appearance, about 1/16 inch long, triangular in shape, and gray-white in color. These sap-sucking pests feed on plant tissue, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and wilting. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth. Whiteflies can transmit serious plant viruses.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Meaning & Symbolism
In bonsai culture, it is a symbol of patience, perseverance, and careful attention; its tiny leaves and flowers represent the beauty found in small things and the importance of balance.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
