Serissa

ab · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:25 pm Post subject: Serissa

Hi all.
I have a serissa and would like to know when will it be the best time to change the compost, Its still on its original pot, I keep it in my bathroom by the window ant seems that its doing fine, Its been growing well and its got a nice green colour... the compost in the pot looks to have lots of sand mixed in it, should i keep it the same I normally use bonsai compost with my other bonsais, should I mix sand with it for the serissa? and when would it be the best time to change it?
(I have a figus and a zelkova too...)
any more advise for my serissa will be very welcome, I know its a very difficult bonsai to keep, but its one of my favorites too...

Stymie · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:34 pm Post subject: Re: Serissa

You will find a few words about the specie at the top of this forum ab. It should like the moist atmosphere of the bathroom. Which way does the window face, because light is another important factor. Re-potting of sub-tropical trees can be done at almost any time because they do not have a dormant period. The sand in the planting medium is to improve drainage and I would expect a good bonsai medium to be well endowed in that department.
I trust that the Zelkova is outside because that is a temperate plant.

ab · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:55 pm Post subject: Re: Serissa

I don't really know what way the window if facing but get sun all day, I've already looked at the above topic about them and that is why I've put it in the bathroom... Its the first time I'm trying a serissa... I spray it 2 to 3 times a day as well... should I put bonsai Fertilizer to the spray bottle as well for the leaves or just keep it on rain water? I normally Feed it once a week with "Chempak Bonsai Tree Fertilizer". and water with rain water or bottle water...

Stymie · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:20 pm Post subject: Re: Serissa

I would reduce the feeding to fortnightly ab. Rain water is great if allowed to adopt the same temperature as the tree's surroundings first. Foliar feeding shouldn't be necessary but if you do, dilute it to the barest minimum.
South is where the sun is at greenwich mid-day.

ab · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:56 pm Post subject: Re: Serissa

Thanks for your advise...
The window get sun all day Its on the side of my house and doesn't mather what time of the day it is it always gets plenty of light, and i will start to feeding only once a fortnight from now... when i get rain water i put it in my water bottle spray and Wait till is at room temperature before using. how often do you get flowers on it? begging of spring?

Stymie · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:23 am Post subject: Re: Serissa

The flowers usually appear in summer. The temperature inside will determine the length of the flowering period.