Fukien Tea Bonsai (Carmona retusa)

Fukien tea bonsai is a miniature tree valued for its fine branching, small leaves, and traditional bonsai form.

Fukien tea features glossy, dark green leaves with a slightly textured surface that grow along densely branched stems, creating a compact, detailed canopy. The plant is trained through pruning and wiring into a sculpted, tree-like form, allowing it to maintain a miniature scale while developing refined branch structure over time. Under the right conditions, it may produce small white flowers and occasional red berries, adding seasonal ornamental interest. This plant is widely used in interior environments for its refined structure, decorative appeal, and suitability for traditional bonsai styling in tabletop displays.

Why it works

· Fine branching creates a highly detailed tree form

· Compact size fits tabletop and interior displays

· Seasonal flowers and berries add ornamental interest

Key Specs

Light: Bright Indirect Light

Water: Moderate; allow soil to dry ½–1 inch deep between waterings

Temperature: 65–80°F

Habit: Upright, trained branching (bonsai form)

Size Class: Small

Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate