These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Gardens, Lawns & Landscapes Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

I have a 4-year-old China Doll (houseplant) that was bushy and glossy until I forgot to water it. Now, it is limp. I watered it immediately, but is there anything else I should do to revive it?

Last Updated: April 22, 2008

View as web page


After watering the China Doll (Radermachera sinica) plant thoroughly, wait and see how much of the plant revives. If an entire stem is brittle, it is dead and needs to be removed. Healthy stems can be pruned back and new growth will emerge just below the point on the stem where you make the pruning cut. Place the plant in a well-lighted location and, hopefully, it will come back. Keep the soil constantly moist, but not soggy wet. When new growth begins, you could fertilize the plant according to the product label at half strength.

Radermachera sinica (also called China Doll or Serpent Tree) is an evergreen tree in the family Bignoniaceae, native to the subtropical mountain regions of southern China and Taiwan. Radermachera sinica is often sold as a small houseplant, grown for its attractive glossy leaves; it does not normally flower indoors. It requires plenty of light and moisture to thrive. Like most houseplants, yellow leaves indicate either lack of water or overwatering.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horticulture, houseplants, china doll


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.