My China Doll plant needs help!

cbryce2010

9 years ago

I received this plant almost 2 years ago when my dad passed away. It used to be full and thick. Up until a couple months ago, I wasn't sure what kind of plant it was. After researching I learned it was a China Doll and learned how to care for it. I have never kept a plant alive more than a few months. This plant was very close to not making it when I found out how to care for it. There used to be many woody stems and was full of leaves. At its worst I was pulling the woody stems right out of the soil. Since I have started watering it alittle more and starting keeping it in my south facing window. Now leaves are coming back but it's all on top. The lone stem is bare and I'm starting to wonder if it will hold the weight of its top. I have been pruning back the growth to help with the weight. My questions are, will this stem thicken enough to hold the weight of the plant? Once early summer comes(around Father's Day) , will it be safe to cut the stem off at a few inches? Should I also transfer to smaller pot? I read it likes to be root bound.
I would love any tips and education that anyone has to offer. Being a plant I received for my dad's funeral, he had a very green thumb and loved gardening and his plants, I connect this plant to him and don't want to fail. I even talk to it.

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Comments (2)

summersunlight
9 years ago
My heart goes out to you that you have this plant that is so sentimental to you and it has not been doing as well as you'd like.
How are things going with your china doll now?
comtessedelacouche (10b S.Australia: hotdryMedclimate)
9 years ago
I only looked at this because I thought it might be the China Doll rose! What a shame you got no replies back in November when you posted your query - now I too am wondering how you're going and whether your special plant has survived.

Although I don't know anything about this particular plant, I would still immediately remove that plastic you have covering the soil. If you were pulling stems straight out of the ground, my guess would be the roots have been rotting, due to the warm, humid, airless conditions created by the plastic.

A quick google tells me this plant is indeed liable to root rot.

Other than that, I'd read up on this plant and it's particular requirements - it does sound quite fussy though so please don't be too distressed if it doesn't make it.

If it doesn't survive, why not go to a proper garden centre or nursery and ask them to recommend a good beginner's plant - indoor or outdoor if you have a garden, and ask them, and google, for instructions for its care? It might be the start of a wonderful new hobby, and what could be a nicer tribute to your dear Dad - being a gardener himself, I'm sure he would be so pleased, but I'm also sure he would hate for you to stress out over it.

Best of luck,
Comtesse :ÃÂ¬)
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