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Serissa Mt.Fuji Dying! HELP!!

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Old 8-Mar-2008   #1
woaini1116
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Unhappy Serissa Mt.Fuji Dying! HELP!!

I purchased a Serissa Mt. Fuji almost a week ago. The day after I got it, I noticed small bugs. I have soaked the pot in the sink for 10-15 mins two times and have sprayed the plant with Raid Home & Garden (plant safe). Now the leaves are starting to turn yellow and if touched, the leaves will fall off. Is this because it was overwatered? Or is it because it is trying to acclimate to the new surroundings? Also, I was wondering how much light the tree needs? I have a 400 watt metal-halide. How many hours of darkness should the tree get?

Please help, I really want to save my tree! =(
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Old 8-Mar-2008   #2
dylanfan388
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well my experiene with serrisas is that they are extremely finicky and are most likely acclimating to its new surroundings. what is the area that you keep it in like temp and humidity wise. It's most likely reacting to the dunkings you gave it I would hold off on the water a for a little and do you know what kind of critters youre dealing with bc there are other ways to get rid of them instead of using raid. I personally stay away from the stuff with my plants not a big fan of the chemicals
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Old 8-Mar-2008   #3
woaini1116
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dylanfan388
well my experiene with serrisas is that they are extremely finicky and are most likely acclimating to its new surroundings. what is the area that you keep it in like temp and humidity wise. It's most likely reacting to the dunkings you gave it I would hold off on the water a for a little and do you know what kind of critters youre dealing with bc there are other ways to get rid of them instead of using raid. I personally stay away from the stuff with my plants not a big fan of the chemicals
I'm not too sure what type of bugs they are. They seem to be only on the soil and are grayish. Any idea what they are?

As for the temperature, it is about 78-80 degrees in the room I keep it in. It is located in my boiler/laundry room with the 400 watt metal-halide light. I'm not too sure how much the humidity is in there, but I just placed it above a dish a water.
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Old 8-Mar-2008   #4
redhawkbonsai
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Good advice here

Just by looking at the picture I bet the pot is the problem. It looks like it takes a long time for it dry out.
How fast does the water run out when watering? How many holes are in the bottom? How big is the hole(s)?
That pot looks like a death trap!


I recommend Orthenex Insecticide (insecticide, mite-icide and fungicide all in 1) it should control your insect problems. Read, Use and follow the label! Make sure you use this outside or in and area you are not going to stay in.

Indoor bonsai is difficult the do and even harder to master.

I would recommend getting an indoor bonsai book by Paul Lesniewicz

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...G=Google+Search

Also http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/serissa.html

drowning in your pot, redhawk
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Old 8-Mar-2008   #5
woaini1116
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There are three medium sized holes on the bottom of the pot. It seems to drain pretty quickly when I put water into it. I don't really think the pot is the problem; I'm thinking it's either the bugs, not enough humidity, or because it's in a new environment?

Where can I get Orthenex Insecticide from?
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Old 8-Mar-2008   #6
redhawkbonsai
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Try Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, Ranch/Farm supply or just about any nursery or hardware store that sales pesticides. Wal-Mart might have it. Its made by Scotts/Ortho. I use the concentrate and mix with water.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...G=Google+Search

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Old 8-Mar-2008   #7
woaini1116
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Thanks! I'll try that. Hopefully, it'll rid my bug problem.

Can anyone tell me how many hours of light a serissa should get?
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Old 9-Mar-2008   #8
gregb
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Serissa is a semi-tropical, almost temperate species that can take a little cold weather but not constant freezing temps. Sort of puts in a range of conditions that may explain why it can tolerate indoor environments. As soon as all threat of freezing temps. are gone, put it outside and it will begin to perk up.

Place it in a sunny window for the time being and bear with it while it adjusts to the new conditions. It will really shine during the hot, humid summer months. Just remember to bring it in again before the first frost.
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Old 9-Mar-2008   #9
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What temperature should it be outside before I can take it out? Also, I noticed that the leaves were black tipped. That's a sign of overwatering right? The serissa seems to be doing better today though. No more leaves have fallen off and some of the yellowing leaves are greener today.
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Old 9-Mar-2008   #10
_gonzo_
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Quote:
Originally Posted by woaini1116
There are three medium sized holes on the bottom of the pot. It seems to drain pretty quickly when I put water into it. I don't really think the pot is the problem; I'm thinking it's either the bugs, not enough humidity, or because it's in a new environment?

I think that the pot "problem" for the moment is that it seems to allow the soil and therefore the roots to extend beyond the mouth of the container. In other words it appears that you cannot lift the plant out without damaging the root "ball" since the soil at the center will not lift through the opening. Which of course makes examination of the soil for further evidence of pests difficult at best.

For now, if you have a magnifying glass handy carefully check it as best you can. If you still have pests try some sort of fairly harmless soap remedy as it would probably be better not to subject it to additional insecticides. Raid was a fairly drastic measure to begin with and additional bombardment with something else may not have the desired beneficial outcome on such a young plant. Usually with a shoot first and ask questions later approach these obstacles occur. It happens.

If you find you did manage to rub the bugs out and until such time as you can put it outdoors as Greg suggested, keep it in good light and water a little less as the black tips do seem to indicate overwatering.

With regard to the new enviornment you may be right. For now the key is providing a consistent setting for the plant's acclimation process. This will involve yellowing and dropping leaves as it adjusts. If the light is good however, let it be.

If you see no fertilizer mixed in the soil feed it as directed with any general purpose liquid mix. They normally respond very well so you should be fine.

Cheers,

_gonzo_
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