About Fukien Tea Bonsai
One of the most popular beginner bonsai species in the Philippines, treasured for its tiny dark green leaves, rough bark, and dainty white star-shaped flowers that appear intermittently throughout the year, followed by small red berries. Carmona retusa is actually native to the Philippines (known locally as Tsaang-gubat) and has been used in traditional herbal medicine. As a bonsai, it develops a beautiful aged appearance relatively quickly. Fukien Tea Bonsai belongs to the Boraginaceae family and originates from Native to the Philippines, southern China, and Southeast Asia. Carmona retusa grows wild in Philippine forests, making it a truly local bonsai tree..
Carmona retusa holds a special place in Philippine culture as Tsaang-gubat — one of the DOH-approved herbal medicines used for stomach ailments and diarrhea. As a bonsai, it is the top recommended species for Filipino beginners because it naturally grows in Philippine conditions. Wild specimens can be found in Luzon and Visayan forests, and collected yamadori Carmona bonsai are prized at Philippine Bonsai Society exhibits. Affordable starter bonsai cost 150-500 pesos at Quezon Memorial Circle and Saturday plant markets.
Also known as: Fukien Tea, Philippine Tea Bonsai.
Popular Varieties
- Carmona retusa (standard species, most common in Philippine bonsai)
- Carmona microphylla (extremely small leaves, less common)
- Ehretia microphylla (synonym, sometimes sold under this name)
How to Plant Fukien Tea Bonsai in the Philippines
Fukien Tea Bonsai can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds, air layering, collected wild specimens. The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut 8-12 cm stems from healthy non-flowering branches.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, keeping 4-6 small leaves at the tip.
- Step 3: Dip in rooting hormone powder.
- Step 4: Plant in a mix of sand and peat moss.
- Step 5: Cover with a plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity.
- Step 6: Keep in bright shade. Roots develop in 4-6 weeks. Pot up in bonsai soil.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to morning sun (avoid harsh afternoon sun which scorches small leaves). Position your fukien tea bonsai where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep bonsai soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water when the surface feels slightly dry. In Philippine heat, this may mean daily watering. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-32°C (prefers moderate tropical heat; avoid extreme temperatures). High humidity essential — use humidity tray or mist daily. Thrives in Philippine humidity. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing fukien tea bonsai outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Diluted liquid fertilizer (half-strength) every 2 weeks during growing season. Organic alternatives like fish emulsion work well.
Pruning
Trim new shoots back to 2-3 leaf pairs once they extend 6-8 leaves. Wire branches carefully as the bark is fragile. Structural pruning during rainy season.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. In fact, the leaves are used to make a traditional Philippine herbal tea (tsaang-gubat tea) for digestive health.
Common Problems & Solutions
Massive leaf drop
Cause: Change in location, drafts, underwatering, or temperature shock
Solution: Keep in a stable location. Maintain consistent watering. Leaves will regrow in 3-4 weeks if roots are healthy.
White powdery residue on leaves
Cause: Powdery mildew from poor air circulation in humid conditions
Solution: Improve airflow around the bonsai. Spray with baking soda solution (1 tsp per liter) or neem oil.
Leaf miners (squiggly trails in leaves)
Cause: Tiny moth larvae tunneling through leaves
Solution: Remove affected leaves. Spray with systemic insecticide or neem oil preventively.
Bark peeling or scarring from wire
Cause: Wire left on too long as the branch thickens
Solution: Check wires frequently and remove before they cut into bark. Use raffia to protect bark during wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Fukien Tea Bonsai in the Philippines?
Fukien Tea Bonsai needs bright indirect light to morning sun (avoid harsh afternoon sun which scorches small leaves). Water keep bonsai soil consistently moist but never soggy. water when the surface feels slightly dry. in philippine heat, this may mean daily watering.. Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer (half-strength) every 2 weeks during growing season. organic alternatives like fish emulsion work well.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-32°C (prefers moderate tropical heat; avoid extreme temperatures) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Fukien Tea Bonsai?
The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings. Cut 8-12 cm stems from healthy non-flowering branches. Remove lower leaves, keeping 4-6 small leaves at the tip.
Is Fukien Tea Bonsai toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. In fact, the leaves are used to make a traditional Philippine herbal tea (tsaang-gubat tea) for digestive health.
Can Fukien Tea Bonsai grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Fukien Tea Bonsai grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Fukien Tea Bonsai?
Common issues include: Massive leaf drop (caused by change in location, drafts, underwatering, or temperature shock — keep in a stable location. maintain consistent watering. leaves will regrow in 3-4 weeks if roots are healthy); White powdery residue on leaves (caused by powdery mildew from poor air circulation in humid conditions — improve airflow around the bonsai. spray with baking soda solution (1 tsp per liter) or neem oil); Leaf miners (squiggly trails in leaves) (caused by tiny moth larvae tunneling through leaves — remove affected leaves. spray with systemic insecticide or neem oil preventively).
Growing fukien tea bonsai in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!