Serissa Bonsai
Growing A Serissa Bonsai
The serissa bonsai tree may not be one of the better known bonsai types, but is certainly worth a look if a serissa plant can be located for purchase. The serissa plant is an evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub, native to Asia, which due to it relatively small size and naturally gnarled appearance, makes it an excellent candidate for bonsai. The serissa shrub features multiple white blossoms and is known as the "Tree of a Thousand Stars". The serissa has a habit of blooming several times a year, typically 2 or 3, but can sometimes be coaxed to bloom almost continuously.
The serissa is a tropical to subtropical plant, and while it is best suited for growing out of doors, it is not frost tolerant at all, and in fact should usually be moved indoors when temperatures start dipping into the lower 50's. As temperatures drop the plant will begin to shed its leaves. In fact the serissa is one of those plants that responds to changes, such as changes in temperature, watering, or light, by dropping its leaves. Should this happen to your plant, don't worry. Be patient, it will soon start growing new leaves.
Pruning The Serissa Bonsai - This is a fast growing shrub and once you've pruned it to a desired shape, more light pruning will always be needed as new growth appears. It is suggested that when pruning back new growth, not all of it be removed at any one time. If the plant is dead headed as the flowers begin to fade, new blooming will often be encouraged. When training a branch by wiring, do so gently. It usually takes a month or two for the branch to settle into the desired position, at which time the wire should be cut away, but never unwound, as damage to the branch could occur. Pruning, shaping, and wiring are all done during the growing season, when the new branches are still flexible. Any suckers that start growing from the base of the bonsai tree should be promptly cut away as they will take energy from the plant. The same applies to any branch that has lost its leaves and appears to have begun to die.
Watering And Misting - As far as watering a serissa bonsai is concerned, it is best to water gently around the base of the trunk until water begins to flow out of the holes in the bottom of the container. The plant should never be allowed to sit in water. While it make like a good soaking, the soil should never be allowed to become water logged, and any excess water needs to be drained away. Root rot is one of the few diseases a serissa bonsai is susceptible to, and this disease can be avoided by not allowing the roots to stand in water or the soil to become waterlogged.
When the serissa bonsai is indoors it's a good idea to mist the leaves to keep things green and healthy. Misting is not a good idea however when the plant is in bloom as misting may cause the flower blossoms to rot, leading to an unattractive and potentially unhealthy situation. An alternate solution to misting is to have a tray of gravel and water nearby to keep the humidity up, though misting is best when it can be done.
While not difficult to care for, bonsai plants require careful and consistent attention. Just remember a plant in a small container usually cannot be neglected for a lengthy period of time. A serissa bonsai can be a nice choice for someone who is looking for a bonsai tree that blooms frequently. “The Tree of A Thousand Stars” is a very suitable name, though with a very small bonsai one may have to settle for a hundred stars.