Chinese Boxthorn (Lycium chinense)

Also known as: China Teaplant, Wolfberry, Goji Berry

Chinese Boxthorn, often referred to as goji berry, is a perennial herb native to East Asia, renowned for its role in traditional Chinese medicine. The bright red-orange berries, which have a sweet and slightly licorice-like taste, are frequently added to soups. Additionally, the dried leaves of the plant can be brewed into a refreshing tea. This medicinal herb, which attracts bees for pollination, flourishes in well-drained, moist soil conditions.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Chinese Boxthorn

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine, Shrub

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

Approximately 1 cm

Flower Color

Purple

Images of Chinese Boxthorn

Quickly Identify Chinese Boxthorn

Lycium chinense can be identified by its spiny branches, lanceolate leaves, and small purple or lavender flowers. The bright orange-red berries are a distinctive feature.

Scientific Classification of Chinese Boxthorn

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

Family

Nightshade

Genus

Box-thorns

Species

Chinese Boxthorn

Planting and Growing of Chinese Boxthorn

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

59-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Chinese Boxthorn?

Lycium chinense requires careful watering. The ideal amount is about 500 ml each time, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. It is crucial to let excess water drain to avoid waterlogged conditions.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Chinese Boxthorn? ›

What should I do if my Chinese Boxthorn is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Chinese Boxthorn? ›

How to save an overwatered Chinese Boxthorn? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Chinese Boxthorn?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Lycium chinense thrives in full to partial sun environments. Adequate sunlight facilitates superior growth and optimizes fruiting potential while maintaining vibrant foliage color.

Optimal Light for Growth ›

Solution for Ideal Lighting ›

Benefits of Ideal Light ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Chinese Boxthorn?

Ideal Temperature: 59 ~ 77℉

Lycium chinense, commonly known as Chinese wolfberry, thrives best within a temperature range of 59°F to 77°F. This range ensures optimal metabolic activity and photosynthesis, leading to robust growth. Consistent temperatures within this range can contribute to substantial yields and improved fruit quality.

What Soil is Best for Chinese Boxthorn?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Lycium chinense thrives in soils with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Proper drainage helps prevent root rot and supports healthy root growth, ensuring the plant receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients from the soil. The plant prefers soils enriched with organic matter, providing essential nutrients for growth. This nutritional richness promotes healthy leaf development and berry production, essential for Lycium chinense's overall vitality. A balance in soil moisture is vital for Lycium chinense, as it prefers neither overly dry nor overly moist conditions. This balance supports optimal photosynthesis and prevents stress on the plant, leading to robust health and disease resistance.

How to Fertilize Chinese Boxthorn?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Lycium chinense benefits from a balanced fertilizer application to support its growth and fruit production. Generally, using a complete fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio like 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 is ideal. For liquid fertilizer, use approximately 1 tablespoon per gallon of water for each plant. For slow-release fertilizers, follow package instructions but ensure not to exceed the recommended amounts to prevent nutrient burn.

How to Prune Chinese Boxthorn?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Start by identifying any dead, diseased, or weak branches. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts at a slight angle just above a healthy bud. Focus on shaping the plant by trimming back excessively long branches to maintain a balanced form. To stimulate new growth and fruit production, thin out the center of the bush to improve air circulation and light penetration. Look for overcrowded areas and selectively prune out some branches to open up the plant. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Chinese Boxthorn plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late spring,Early spring,Summer

Collect ripe berries from the Lycium chinense plant. Clean the seeds by removing any flesh and allow them to dry. This preparation ensures the seeds are free from decay-causing organisms and ready for sowing.

Use sharp pruning shears to take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering shoot. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting before planting it in a prepared potting mix.

Gently dig up the plant and divide the root ball into sections. Each section should have roots and stems before replanting them at the same depth as the original plant.

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How to Repot Chinese Boxthorn plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Lycium chinense needs repotting when roots appear through drainage holes, or if the soil seems compacted and waterlogged. Early seasons like spring and summer are ideal, as increased daylight and temperatures promote healthy root system adaptation.

Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has ample drainage holes to prevent water stagnation, reducing risks of root rot. A slightly larger pot will suffice for steady growth without overwhelming the plant, allowing proper moisture and nutrient space.

Opt for a well-draining soil mixture to maintain airy root conditions. A combination of sandy loam, perlite, or peat moss provides necessary nutrients while ensuring drainage, avoiding water retention that can lead to fungal infections and root rot.

Toxicity of Chinese Boxthorn

Is Chinese Boxthorn toxic to humans?

The Chinese Boxthorn presents a mild toxicological threat to humans, primarily due to the ingestion of its foliage, which harbors alkaloids. Consumption of these leaves may cause a variety of symptoms that suggest minor poisoning. Affected individuals might suffer from gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Furthermore, neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and, in certain cases, slight tremors might occur. It is important for people to recognize the potential dangers linked to eating Chinese Boxthorn leaves, even though their toxicity is relatively low, to avert accidental poisoning. The targeted individuals should remain cautious and ensure that these leaves are not consumed, as the resulting symptoms, while not life-threatening, can lead to discomfort and health complications.

Is Chinese Boxthorn toxic to cat?

The Chinese Boxthorn poses a slight toxicity threat to cats, mainly when they consume the leaves. This unintentional intake may happen if cats nibble or eat the plant's foliage. Contact with the toxic alkaloids present in the leaves can lead to symptoms that suggest physical discomfort or distress. Should a cat exhibit any indicators of illness after contact with the Chinese Boxthorn, it is essential to promptly seek veterinary assistance at a local clinic to safeguard the cat's health and wellbeing.

Is Chinese Boxthorn toxic to dog?

The plant species known as Chinese Boxthorn carries a mild toxicity risk for dogs. If dogs ingest any part of this plant, especially the leaves, which they may accidentally consume, they can experience poisoning. After consuming Chinese Boxthorn, dogs may show signs of gastrointestinal distress or neurological issues due to alkaloids present in the plant. Therefore, it is vital for dog owners to keep a watchful eye on their pets and restrict their access to this particular plant. Should a dog accidentally ingest Chinese Boxthorn, it is imperative to seek prompt veterinary assistance to guarantee appropriate treatment and management for any potential poisoning.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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