How to Maintain Serissa Foetida Bonsai Trees
The Serissa foetida is a small, evergreen shrub that is called by a variety of other names including tree of 1000 stars and snow rose. It is a common bonsai specimen when it is pruned regularly to maintain a small size. Although the tree has masses of white flower blossoms in the summer, it emits a foul odor when the leaves or bark are damaged. Caring for a Serissa foetida bonsai tree is different than caring for the shrub version. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Fill a shallow dish with a single layer of small pebbles and add water to the dish until the rocks are half covered. Set the Serissa foetida bonsai tree pot on top of the dish and keep the water level filled to provide additional humidity for the tree.
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2
Set the Serissa foetida bonsai pot outdoors when the temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a location that has bright light but not direct sun.
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3
Move the pot indoors just before temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pot near a window so that it will receive bright light, but keep it away from heating and cooling vents, and radiators.
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4
Water the soil in the pot thoroughly until it is damp all the way to the bottom of the pot. Wait until the top 1 inch of soil is completely dry before adding water.
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5
Apply an all-purpose, liquid plant fertilizer to the soil once per month from September through March and increase the frequency to twice per month from March to September. Use the amounts specified on the fertilizer bottle.
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6
Examine the base of the Serissa foetida tree once per month for the appearance of small suckers near the trunk. Prune these off at the soil level using hand pruners. Prune back the remainder of the leaves to the desired bonsai shape.
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7
Repot the Serissa foetida tree once every two to three years to a pot that is one size larger in diameter.
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