Fukien Tea BonsaiTwo Fukien Tea bonsai varieties are commonly used. Both have glossy leaves, are woody, branch easily, and bloom periodically all year.The smaller leaf variety of Fukien Tea is slow to develop a trunk, however, it bears tiny red fruit prolifically. The “medium leaf” variety develops a bulky trunk but bears fruit less frequently -- if at all. (The medium leaves are actually small, but larger than those of its sister plant.) Older heavy trunks have very hard wood and often predetermine the style of a Fukien Tea bonsai. 
The frequency of flowers (although small) suggests the use of some color in the choice of a bonsai pot. A very dark blue glazed bonsai container may work. However, a brown unglazed pot can emphasize a rugged trunk! Styled in the Chinese manner, this bonsai forest of Fukien Tea in a brown container is very effective.
Import NotesIn recent years, imports from China have made Fukien Tea bonsai a very popular tropical. They are often used as beginner bonsai trees because of their "ready made" shapes.
Commercial production in China is done in 100% clay fields. After years of pruning and maintenance (primarily using clip-and-grow methods), specimens are dug out of the ground and shipped around the world. The newly arrived example shown here has good potential. Large wounds often rot in the field and account for many wonderful gnarly and hollow trunk Fukien Tea bonsai specimens. However, with “good bones” and some restyling, many hobbyists are finding imported Ehretia can create the great look of very old bonsai trees. StylingWire - Young branches bend and shape easily. Wire any time of year. Be cautious not to wire too tightly, as they grow quickly.Pruning - This plant is an excellent choice for clip-and-grow. Some growers trim frequently and do very little wiring. Because of the small leaf size, leaf pruning is not required. If leaves are removed or fall off for any reason, a healthy tree will quickly regenerate them. Frequent pruning will keep your foliage compact. Styles - Most Ehretia bonsai grown from seed or cuttings end up as formal or informal upright bonsai. Some imported old trees have enough curves in them to also be used as cascades, slant or even literati styles. Move the plant around to see what it looks like at different angles. Old hard wood trunks are ideal for creating shari! Location and WateringFukien Tea bonsai grows best in full to half day to full sun. Too much shade encourages undesirable leggy growth and larger leaves.Indoors? Many people find it somewhat difficult to grow indoors. Growers keep them outdoors as long as possible and bring them in only after the first frost or freeze warning. Good air circulation is vital indoors. Ehretia likes to be evenly moist, not soaking wet. Many hobbyists have found it prefers some organic matter in the soil mix. However, be sure your soil drains freely. A 'too wet' root environment can cause rot, fungus, leaf yellowing and/or defoliation. Root Pruning
In the tropics, Fukien Tea bonsai can be repotted and/or root pruned any time of year. Stronger, faster results can be anticipated during spring and early summer. In other climates, spring and summer are best. Once established, check roots annually as they go into decline from “tight feet”. Root bound Ehretia can deteriorate quickly. FertilizerUse organic fertilizer as directed or an all purpose liquid weekly, spring through fall. During cooler months once a month will be adequate.Occasionally Ehretia becomes chlorotic. The yellow leaves may be an indicator of a fertilizer deficiency. If fertilizer is not the problem, consider the soil may be too wet, “sour” soil or as mentioned above, it may be root bound. Repot in fresh soil as soon as possible. PropagationThe small leaf variety, which fruits so readily, is fast to start from seed. Allow the ripe fruit to dry in the sun to a small hard seed. Plant the seeds in shallow, sandy soil, place in the sun and keep moist. You may also see seedlings sprout on their own under the mother plant.Cuttings and air layers are also good methods to propagate all Ehretia varieties. 
If you live in a tropical or sub-tropical climate, plant your tea in the ground to develop a large trunk. In one year a “medium leaf” plant will often double trunk diameter. In a sunny area with frequent water and fertilizer, you can develop a huge trunk with excellent nebari in just three to five years. Regular "hedge pruning" will help to create lots of branches. "Selective pruning" will insure them in the right places. PestsEhretia is relatively pest free in an open outdoor location. Depending upon your mini-environment, you may still need to watch for aphids on new growth.Unfortunately, indoors Fukien Tea bonsai is prone to
a number of plant pests.
It is important to address these problems as soon as they are discovered. Name NotesIn the plant world it is not unusual for a plant to have many common names. Fujian Tea, Fukien Tea, Philippine Tea and Bath Tree are all names for the plant once scientifically known as Carmona microphylla and renamed Ehretia buxifolia.Not to confuse the issue, but the name Ehretia microphylla is also considered synonymous with E. buxifolia. Although some are deciduous, the species commonly used for bonsai is a tropical evergreen shrub. Interestingly, it is registered as an herbal medicine by the Philippine Bureau of Food & Drug. Fukien Tea is frequently used as landscape material in China, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Today you will find it being sold in South Florida landscape nurseries as well. More Fukien Tea PhotosWant to see more photos?Do you have a Fukien Tea story and photo to share?
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