Dying Bonsai

Past_User

By Karen Mather on Thursday, December 7, 2000 - 02:54 pm:

I have a serissa foetida bonsai tree,i dont really know much on bonsai trees but it looks to be dying. I have never had flowers on it. It has been kept in a conservetry since i bought it. If you could help me it would be much apprieciated.

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Dr.Bonsai

Dear Karen,

Serissa foetida, also called "Tree of a Thousand Stars" is a popular bonsai subject for its tiny profuse flowers. Its Latin name is a result of the pungent odor created when a branch is pinched or cut. Serissa is considered an evergreen and it should retain its small, oval leaves throughout the year. Serissa is especially popular because it is well adapted to cultivation indoors, where most bonsai find it hard to survive.

Serissa can be placed outdoors during Spring and Summer, but should be moved back indoors before the first frost. Choose a bright window in the winter. (If you also keep the tree indoors in the summer, you'll want to avoid excessive direct light and heat) Serissa may respond to shock (sudden changes in temperature, light or watering) by dropping all of its leaves. But it will usually regrow another set once conditions have stabilized. It's important that the soil should be kept continuously moist (but not sopping wet).