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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 17, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    They don't like change of any kind, so it is better to keep them rootbound than to repot. Only repot when absolutely necessary.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    September 18, 2012
    A.

    It's easy to solve the ugly grow pot problem without repotting -- just get an attractive container large enough to accommodate your plant in its grow pot, along with a plastic liner for it to sit in inside the decorative container. The decorative container should be waterproof, i.e. no drainage holes. This is called double potting, and is what interior landscape professionals generally do.

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  • Answered by
    Sumatra on
    August 30, 2013
    A.

    Just leave it alone and let it heal.

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  • Answered by
    AnnsGreeneHaus on
    August 29, 2013
    A.

    Years ago, an extremely wise, acerbic and talented greenhouse owner said, "Honey, ya'll just keep on bringing those China Doll's back. I'll sell you something else and throw that thing in the compost." He changed my mind quickly, and I agree. They are beautiful, truly beautiful...until they start growing and the effects of lack of growth retardant, fertilizer, insecticide and high humidity become obvious. Sorry for the rant, but IMO, China Doll is the most difficult, picky, hard to please, high maintenance, intolerant and uncompromising houseplant ever. The only advice I have to offer is get another plant that isn't a pain in the rumpus.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    January 3, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This plant is considered non-poisonous and should not harm him.

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    January 22, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can prune it back, but that will likely not solve the problem. When these plants start to grow leggy, it indicates that they need more light. If possible, move it to a new location for more light or set up a florescent light to shine on it to add more light.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    March 11, 2014
    Certified Expert
    A.

    They do not have invasive root systems, so it should not cause any problems. That being said, any tree will seek out sources of water if it is severely water stressed. If you experience unusual dry spells, make sure you give it extra water so that it does not start to look for water in your tank.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    April 1, 2014
    A.

    I would make a guess that your plant needs more light, and less water. There's a good chance its roots are very weakened by being in soil that is too wet for too long. This article will help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/china-doll/radermachera-sinica.htm
    BTW, plant stores and/or growers don't do anything to plants to slow their growth prior to selling them; they give them plenty of light so that they will grow as thick and lush as possible.

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