Serissa Japonica is a small, flowering shrub often grown as a Bonsai. It’s loved for tiny white or pink blooms and delicate leaves.
The serissa Japonica, also known as snowrose, tree of a thousand stars, or Japanese boxthorn, is a small shrub from warm regions. It has tiny white flowers that bloom from spring to summer.
The Serissa is an evergreen or semi-evergreen tree with small, shiny green leaves. If the leaves or roots are damaged, they give off a bad smell. Besides its pretty flowers, the Serissa is also loved for its fine branches and rough grey bark.
Serissa trees are hard to care for and are better for experienced growers because they are very sensitive to changes in location and temperature. The tree’s correct name is “Serissa japonica,” but many people still call it “Serissa foetida.” Serissa Bonsai cannot handle frost and needs to stay between 50°F (10°C) and 68°F (20°C) during the winter.
Propagating Serissa Bonsai
If you don’t want to buy a grown snow rose Bonsai tree, you can grow one yourself from a plant you already have. The best time to take a cutting from a Serissa plant is in the spring. Be sure to cut from the hard, older wood, not the soft, new growth. You can also try growing a Serissa Bonsai from seeds, but this method takes a lot longer.
Requirements for Growing Serissa Bonsai Tree
Location
Your Serissa Bonsai tree needs plenty of sunlight and warmth to grow well. Put it in a spot where it gets full, direct sunlight. Some types with patterned leaves might need a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day, but lots of sun helps the tree bloom more often. Also, make sure the temperature stays above 50°F, as the tree doesn’t like the cold.
Soil
Most regular Bonsai potting soil will work fine for a snow rose or Serissa japonica Bonsai tree. Ensure the soil is well-draining and has a neutral pH. Adding stones and clay to the mix can help water drain quickly while still holding just enough moisture for the plant.
Water
Most regular Bonsai potting soil will work fine for a snow rose or Serissa japonica Bonsai tree. Just make sure the soil drains well and has a neutral pH. Adding stones and clay to the mix can help water drain quickly while still holding just enough moisture for the plant.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, you can feed your Serissa Bonsai with a bit of solid organic fertilizer every four weeks or use a weak liquid fertilizer once a week. Choose a fertilizer with a balanced mix of nutrients (N-P-K). In winter, only feed once a month and use a small amount of liquid fertilizer—but only if the tree is kept in a warm spot. Don’t fertilize the tree if it’s unhealthy or not growing.
Pruning and wiring
The Serissa Bonsai can handle heavy pruning, and if needed, it’s best to do this in early spring. For young trees, trim the shoots back to 2 leaves once they’ve grown 4 to 5 leaves. Older trees don’t need as much trimming while they’re blooming, but you should prune them more after the flowers are gone. Every 2 to 3 years, cut the branches back to the older wood to help the tree stay compact. You can wire branches and shoots anytime, but be very gentle—they are fragile. Take off the wire after about six months so it doesn’t damage the bark.
Repotting
Repot your Serissa Bonsai every two years using regular Bonsai soil. Only trim the roots a little, not too much. Be aware that the roots can smell bad when you cut them.
Pests and diseases
Serissa Bonsai trees can get pests like aphids, root aphids, or spider mites. To treat them, use the right kind of pesticide and try to raise the humidity around the plant. If the roots are rotting from too much water or poor soil, you’ll need to repot the tree. Cut off any damaged roots and place the tree in fresh, well-draining soil. Try to make the growing conditions better for your tree.
