General
A popular subject for bonsai in China, the Fukien Tea is a tropical found in Southeastern Asia that is suitable for indoor bonsai. It is a fairly fast grower with small, glossy, green leaves and small, star-shaped flowers. The Fukien Tea is susceptible to pests and should be watched closely.

Typical Styles
Informal Upright (Moyogi)
Root Over Rock (Sekijojo)

Sun and Temperature
Partial to full sun. The Fukien Tea should be kept above 60 degrees F in winter and in a position where it gets good light.

Watering
Daily watering and always keep soil moist. While it should not be left standing in water, the Fukien Tea should never be allowed to have fully dry soil.

Feeding
Feed biweekly during growing season and monthly in winter. The Bonsai Clubs International Botanical Guide strongly recommends not using Miracid and not overfeeding the Fukien Tea.

Pruning/Wiring
The Fukien Tea may be wired at any time, but not left wired for more than a couple months. Many times it is styled by pruning alone. It's naturally small leaves make the Fukien Tea appropriate for smaller forms of bonsai as well.

Repotting
Repot every other year in early Spring using a basic soil mix.

Propagation
From soft wood cuttings in Spring and early Summer.

Pests
The Fukien Tea is susceptible to a number of pests including Aphids, Scale, Mealy Bugs, and Red Spider Mites. It should be watched carefully for the onset of infestation. The Bonsai Clubs International Botanical Guide recommends using the weakest insecticide possible since Ehretia is sensitive to pesticides and will die if Diazinon is used. Insecticidal soap and malithion have been used without apparent harm to Fukien Teas.