Jooni
Serissa
2 Species
Species
Fertilizing
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring through fall). During winter, reduce fertilizing to once monthly as the tree's growth slows down. Always water your tree before applying fertilizer to protect the roots. For unhealthy trees, avoid fertilizing until they recover as it can overwhelm them. Choose a bonsai-specific fertilizer with balanced N-P-K ratios and micronutrients to provide optimal nutrition.
Placement
The Serissa bonsai needs bright but indirect sunlight and is quite sensitive to location changes. Place it near a window with a sheer curtain for filtered light. During warmer months, it can go outdoors in a spot with dappled shade, protected from strong winds and rain. Move it indoors when temperatures drop, maintaining a stable environment between 59-77°F (15-25°C). Avoid placing near heaters, air conditioners, or drafty windows as sudden temperature changes can cause leaf drop. The tree is frost-sensitive and must be kept above 50°F (10°C).
Pruning
Major pruning should be done in early spring when growth is vigorous. For young plants, trim back to two leaves after shoots develop 4-5 leaves. On mature trees, prune while they're flowering and cut back branches every 2-3 years to maintain compact growth. Use sharp bonsai scissors for clean cuts above leaf nodes, leaving some foliage on each branch to maintain tree health. Each pruning decision affects the tree's appearance, so work gradually and thoughtfully rather than removing too much at once.
Repotting
Repot your Serissa bonsai every 2-3 years in spring, using a well-draining bonsai soil mix. Young trees need more frequent repotting than older specimens. When repotting, gently trim about one-third of the root mass to encourage new growth. The new pot should be slightly larger with good drainage holes covered by mesh screens. Center the tree, fill with fresh bonsai soil mix, and remove air pockets by pressing down gently. Keep the soil consistently moist for several weeks after repotting and protect from strong sunlight. Wait one month before fertilizing to allow the tree to establish itself.
Watering
Maintain consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Check the topsoil daily - water when it feels dry to the touch. Use room temperature water and avoid both highly acidic or alkaline water - neutral pH is best. Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes, but don't let the tree sit in standing water. During winter, reduce watering frequency as growth slows. If the tree starts dropping leaves, slightly decrease watering. For hard water, let it sit overnight before using to allow chemicals to evaporate.