Variegated Serissa Foetida Bonsai Care Guide

Today I want to do a species spotlight and care guide for this Variegated Serissa Bonsai. This tree is native to the sub-tropical woodlands and wetlands of southeast Asia in Inda, China and Japan. They are enjoyed as bonsai for their tiny leaves and get quite gnarly and textured bark that shows a great look of age to the overall bonsai. Light: Unlike many Bonsai Serissa prefer large amounts of direct sun, if the light levels are too low it may drop all its leaves. A conservatory or south-facing window is perfect for side growing or outside in a south-facing aspect in the summer. Water: Likes more water than average, so in the warmer summer months a tray underneath so you can water enough for it to run out and then slowly take more through the day will be helpful, less much less is required as the temps get cooler and growth slows down. Feed: Quite a hungry bonsai so weekly feeding in the summer months is recommended, - links to specialist bonsai feed below. Overwinter: If you live in Europe or in a country that gets cold in the winter the Serissa will need to be treated carefully to enable it to live until the following spring. Warm houses in the winter are not great for this plant, find a cool but not freezing location where it can be kept around 8-10c or 50F only water a small amount to keep the soil very slightly moist and only water again to avoid it totally drying out. Once spring arrives and the temperatures start to rise then you can begin to water more and as you see growth from the plant begin feeding once again.