Abstract: In order to optimize substrate formulation for the papaya potting,an experiment was conducted.Five different substrates were tested to determine their effects on the growth and fruit-bearing of the dwarf female'Hongling' papaya.The result showed that the most desirable growth,fruit-bearing and root development of the plant were obtained by using 40% vegetable soil +20% sand loamy soil +20% peat soil +20% plant ash,or 40% sand loamy soil +20% vegetable soil +20% peat soil +20% plant ash.There were no significant differences in papaya growth and fruit-bearing between 90% and full water supply.The growth was affected,however,when water supply was limited to 80%,where a dwarf was produced without affecting the fruit-bearing.On the other hand,if the water supply was reduced to less than 70%,the growth,fruit-bearing and fruit size of the papaya plants were seriously hindered.