Mystery houseplant: small green leaves, leggy stems.

Discussion in 'Plant ID' started by Pekoe, Jul 12, 2007.

  1. Pekoe

    Pekoe New Seed

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    Location:
    Newfoundland, Canada
    Here's the background story. Around a year or two ago, my Mom bought a plant to decorate the living room with.
    It thrived for a while, and when I left for university, it began to suffer.
    I've visited home for the summer, revived it from critical condition and am planning to bring it back to the city with me when I go back. (To prevent it from being placed in Houseplant ICU again.)

    I just need to know the identity of the plant so it'll get the proper light conditions and care.

    I have a picture or two that might help:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I know the lighting is fairly bad; it's pretty dreary here today. If anyone can identify this plant for me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

    Maybe it'll be really healthy again soon! I just re-potted it to a slightly larger, more well-drained pot today.
     
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  3. zuzu's petals

    zuzu's petals Silly Old Bat Plants Contributor

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    Hi Pekoe,
    I can't be totally certain from the photos,
    but I do think that your (mom's) plant looks like Radermachera sinica("China Doll" plant),
    and the low light you speak of may be at least part of the problem.

    this site offers clear yet simple growing instructions:
    Good luck with your rescue mission, they do make lovely specimens. :)
     
  4. Pekoe

    Pekoe New Seed

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    Mom told me to keep it anyway; she's a serial killer of houseplants, and it's perked up a lot since I came home.
    Either way, thanks!
    Now I can make sure that it stays alive and well.
     
  5. Chitweed

    Chitweed In Flower

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    I second that opinion. China Doll. They are a great little plant.
     



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  6. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    I'll third China Doll. I have 2 and they do get leggy.
     
  7. pharmerphil

    pharmerphil New Seed

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    I have one that I put out every summer, It has taken on a "bonsai" look, it's about 8 years old, I'll get a pic today.
    In it's native land it is an under-story plant, but low light does make it leggy, so I guess it's not that good a looking plant in it's natural setting?
     

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