Radermachera sinica ‘Golden’ is a cultivar of the tree commonly known as the “China Doll Plant,” selected for its vivid golden‑toned foliage and elegant, upright form. The leaves are finely divided into many small glossy leaflets, each leaflet tipped and edged with a bright yellow‑gold hue that contrasts with the deeper green of the older foliage. The overall effect is a warm glow in the foliage mass. In its indoor growth habit, it stays more compact than its full‑sized tree form, forming a graceful, airy plant with some vertical growth.
Native to: The base species, Radermachera sinica, originates from subtropical mountainous forests of southern China and Taiwan, where it grows as an evergreen tree in rich, moist soils with bright, filtered light. The ‘Golden’ cultivar is a selected form adapted for indoor conditions.
Water: Keep the potting mix evenly moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly when the top ≈1‑2 cm of soil begins to dry, then allow excess to drain freely. Avoid letting the plant sit in water, as the roots are prone to rot if conditions are persistently wet.
Light: Provide bright, filtered light. A spot near an east‑facing window or some distance back from a south‑facing window behind a sheer curtain works well. Avoid strong direct midday sun as it may scorch the delicate leaflets or cause the golden colouring to fade. Conversely, too little light will dull the yellow tone and slow growth.
Humidity: Prefers moderate to slightly elevated humidity (around 50‑70 %). Indoor central‑heating environments can dry too fast, so occasional misting or a humidity tray can help prevent leaf‑edge browning or leaflet drop.
Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures of about 18‑26 °C. Do not let the minimum drop below about 15 °C. Protect from cold drafts and avoid placement too close to radiators or hot, dry air flows.