Explore our premium range of bonsai plants and bonsai trees at Abana...
Simple, direct steps for Carmona — quick to read, easy to follow.
Common name: Carmona / Fukien Tea (Carmona microphylla). A small-leaf evergreen bonsai with glossy leaves and small white flowers. Thrives with steady humidity and even moisture. Best kept in a sheltered outdoor spot or a bright balcony.
Partial shade to bright, indirect light. Ideal place: balcony, verandah, or garden under morning sun. Keep with other plants — they help keep humidity stable.
Water deeply when the top 1–2 cm is dry. Soak until water drains, then wait 2–5 days depending on pot size and weather. In hot months water more often; reduce in cool months.
Balanced bonsai liquid or slow-release feed during Feb–Oct. Feed every 2–4 weeks; cut back in Nov–Jan.
Pinch new shoots to keep a fine silhouette. Maintenance trimming throughout the year; heavy structural pruning in January–February. Repot every 2–3 years using a free-draining bonsai mix; trim up to one-third of roots carefully.
Q: What to do after receiving your Carmona bonsai?
It’s normal to see yellow or falling leaves after transit — the plant was boxed and stressed. Check soil and water if dry; press soil to settle it; keep the tree in bright shade for two weeks (no harsh sun); remove yellow leaves (they drain energy). The Carmona usually recovers in about two weeks and will produce new leaves.
Q: Leaves turning yellow?
Usually caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or low light. Check soil moisture and drainage. Move to brighter indirect light and improve drainage if needed.
Q: How often should I repot?
Every 2–3 years, best in January–February with a free-draining bonsai mix.
Q: Why is my Carmona not flowering?
Not enough light or too much nitrogen-rich fertiliser. Give more bright indirect light and use a balanced feed with lower nitrogen before flowering season (Feb–May).
Q: New shoots look thin/leggy?
Move to a brighter spot and prune tips to encourage branching.
How does Carmona respond to long, humid monsoons — fully outdoors or partially sheltered?
If the pot and soil drain well, Carmona handles monsoon humidity fine — humidity helps the plant. Avoid keeping the tree in constant heavy rain. Best to place it in a bright, covered spot outdoors with good airflow. If leaves turn blackish and fall, that often means a fungal infection — treat with an antifungal like Saaf. If unsure, send a photo on WhatsApp for diagnosis.
Does pot material (clay vs ceramic) change flowering or leaf density?
No — pot material doesn’t noticeably affect flowering or leaf density. What matters is good drainage, the right soil mix, and consistent light. As long as water drains well, Carmona will do fine in clay or ceramic.
What is the watering rhythm during hot Delhi/North Indian summers?
Use this rule: when you water, water deeply until water drains from the pot. Then wait until the top inch (2–3 cm) of soil dries. In summer this usually means watering every 2–5 days depending on sun and pot size. Deep watering strengthens roots — avoid light daily sprinkles.
What to do immediately after receiving the plant?
Yellow or dropping leaves after transit are normal. Water if soil is dry, press soil to settle it, keep in bright shade for two weeks (no direct harsh sun), and remove yellow leaves. The plant should recover in about two weeks — it’s likely healthy but stressed from transit.
Share your experience or a photo — send it on WhatsApp and we’ll help diagnose specifics.
Tip: keep your Carmona with other plants to stabilize humidity. 📈
© Abana Homes — Need personal help? Send a photo on WhatsApp: +91 93155 69090
Looking for a Chinese Elm bonsai for sale? At Abana Homes, we...
Embrace nature's art! This Ficus Bonsai, with curved trunk & aerial roots,...
Easy Bonsai for First-Time Owners These bonsai are hardy, forgiving, and ideal...
