Overview
Fukien Tea Bonsai (Carmona retusa / Ehretia microphylla) is a small-leaved tropical tree with white flowers and dark berries when conditions are good. It is best suited to experienced indoor growers, flowering bonsai, compact informal upright styles. For UK growers, treat it as: Indoor in the UK, sheltered outdoors only in warm summer.
Placement
bright, warm position with stable temperatures and protection from cold draughts
Watering
keep evenly moist but never soggy; avoid hard dry-outs and avoid constant wetness
Feeding and fertilising
use gentle balanced feed during active growth; reduce in winter
Pruning and wiring
trim back after growth extends; wire young shoots carefully because older wood can be brittle
Repotting
repot every 2 years in spring with careful root work
Propagation
semi-ripe cuttings in warmth and humidity
Pests, diseases and common issues
leaf drop from movement, cold, low light or watering mistakes; scale and spider mites