Question
I have a China Doll (aka Radermachera Sinica) that I have been tending for about a year now.  The plant itself is now a foot and half tall and planted in a 6" tall pot.  I have been using Mircale Grow and a grow light to keep it healthy, as well as regular watering.  Everybody at work compliments me on how well it is growing.

My current problem is that the plant has a tendency to lean to one side.  I can manually "push" the plant so that it is straight and it will hold position for about a day before leaning again.  A few people have suggested buying some wooden dowels (the plant has two main stems) to put in the pot and then tying the plant to the dowels to promot straighter growth.  Is this safe for the plant?  Will it actually help the plant grow correctly?  Are there any other suggestions you can offer to help the plant grow properly?  

Also, I have seen pictures of other people who have grown these plants and they can grow 5-6 feet tall.  How will I know when its time to move the plant to a bigger pot?

Thanks
Davy

Answer
Hi Davy,

A photo here would help so that I could see just what you mean by leaning.

If the main stem itself is leaning pretty much from the ground up, then the solution is to reposition it in the pot. Do this by pulling the rootball out of the pot slightly, then angling the rootball just enough so that the main stem is vertical. The surface of the root ball will no longer be completely horizontal, but that is okay. Push the rootball back inside the pot at this slight angle. Press the soil on the "high" end down tight inside the pot so that it is stable. Add a little soil to the surface if necessary. I use this technique frequently on both small and large plants.

If it is just the upper portion of the plant that is leaning, then you have to reposition the plant relative to the primary light source. Remember, that new growth always grows toward the light.

Wooden stakes will not damage the plant and they can be used to correct tilting. However, they don't look very attractive. I see them as a last resort.

After a thorough watering, your plant should be able to go about 3 days or more without needing water. If it dries out sooner than that, then the ratio of roots to soil is such that a pot one size larger is appropriate. If it can make it through 3 days or more without adding water, then leave it in that pot.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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