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: 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.
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.
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.
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?
