Carmona microphylla, caring for a tropical bush

The Carmona microphylla It is a well-known shrub among bonsai enthusiasts and experts: its small leaves, its ease of working, and its beautiful white flowers make this species one of the most appreciated. But, although it is widely used as a miniature plant, the reality is that it can also be used in a garden. In fact, it looks great as a hedge, because with such dense foliage it forms a barrier that is practically impossible to cross.

But in addition, it will surely beautify your balcony if you provide it with the care that we are going to tell you, because this plant adapts very well to pots.

Origin and characteristics of Carmona microphylla

The Carmona microphylla (now known as Ehretia microphyllabut it is also accepted retusa carmona) it is a species of deciduous shrub native to east and southeast Asia; specifically, it can be found in India, China, Japan or Malaysia, among others.

In Hawaii it is considered an invasive plant, since the tropical climate favors its growth, and since frugivorous birds are responsible for dispersing the seeds, it is easy for them to colonize spaces. But this does not happen in countries where the climate is temperate, because the temperatures are lower and, in addition, it can freeze or even snow, something that can seriously harm the carmona.

Focusing on its characteristics, you should know that if it is allowed to grow in its air it can measure up to 4 meters in height. The branches it produces are long, thin, and often give it a messy appearance. The leaves are 10-50 millimeters long by 5-30 millimeters wide, and are green in color. These fall in the dry season when the region is tropical, although when it is cultivated in the temperate ones they do so in autumn or winter, with the arrival of the cold.

Its flowers are whiteand measure 8-10 millimeters in diameter. Once pollinated, the fruit ripens into a 4-6 mm orange drupe.

What uses is it given?

In Europe we only use it as bonsai. As we said at the beginning, it is a plant that works very well, having small leaves and a highly branched crown. Even giving it a more orderly appearance, more like a tree with a well-differentiated trunk and crown, is simple.

However in Asia, where the Carmona microphyllait also has medicinal uses. In the Philippines its leaves are consumed to alleviate health problems such as colic, diarrhea, cough or dysentery.

What are the care of the Carmona microphylla?

How should this shrub be cared for so that it grows well? Maintaining it implies watering it when necessary, fertilizing it and, in short, carrying out a series of tasks throughout the year so that it does not lack anything and can thus grow and produce its precious flowers. So let’s see what care needs to be provided:

Location

• Outdoor: If the weather is warm, without frost, it is best to be away from home at all times. So do not hesitate to put it in a sunny area or in semi-shade so that it receives the sunlight necessary to grow.
• Interior: it can be kept inside the house, but you should find a room where there is a lot of clarity. Put it as far away as possible from the air conditioning, as well as any other air currents in the room.

Irrigation

The Carmona microphylla It is a shrub that must be watered from time to time. For this reason, We recommend watering an average of 3 times a week, except in winter when it will be once or twice a week.

What type of water to use? If possible, the rain, as it is the most suitable for watering any type of plant. But when this is lacking, it can be watered with soft water, that is, low in lime and chlorine.

Soil or substrate

• Flower pot: it is highly advisable to fill it with substrate for acidic plants (for sale here!).
• the garden: the soil must have a low pH, between 4 and 6. Likewise, it must be light, and have good drainage.

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In spring and summer it must be paid every 7 or 14 daysfor example with fertilizers for green plants if you are more interested in growing it, or with a flower if you want it to produce many flowers. If you prefer, you can pay it with organic fertilizers, such as guano.

Pruning

In late winter or springwhen temperatures are at least 15ºC, it is a good time to remove dead branchesdry, and those that are sick. It is also good to take advantage of and trim those that grow a lot, as well as those that intersect.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds during the spring. You can sow them in a seedbed, such as a pot for example, with substrate for acidic plants, or coconut fiber (for sale here!), and leave them in semi-shadow. If they are fresh, they will germinate after about twenty to thirty days.

Rusticity

It is a tropical plant that, unfortunately, can’t stand the coldonly until -1ºC and if it is for a short time. Therefore, if it is colder in your area, you will have to protect it indoors, or in a greenhouse.

. Carmona microphylla?