The serissa bonsai tree is a plant that grown in the open woodland in South East Asia, it is also names Serissa Foetida, due to the smell the bark and roots have when they are cut or crushed. This is a small plant that only can grow to around 50 cms. The leaves of this plant are really peculiar because they grow in opposite pairs and it is very dense in branches.

The serissa bonsai tree is also known as the “Tree of a Thousand Stars” because it produces a big number of small funnel-shaped flowers at summer time in its native soil.

Serissa is definitely not a beginner bonsai tree; it is difficult to keep even for experienced people! What makes it difficult to keep is that it will yellow quickly and drop leaves if it is not located under the right growing conditions. If temperature drops below 7ºC, the tree could die pretty quickly, so in may cases this will be a call for indoor cultivation, but at the same time, the required humidity levels are hard to replicate in an indoor setting.

Growing serissa bonsai trees

Let’s talk about the things you need to consider when growing serissa bonsai tree. The first you need to establish is the plant’s location. This plant will grow nice in an outdoor setting if the temperature doesn’t drop below 7ºC, but do not move the tree around, just keep it in one place. This is a subtropical plant.

If temperatures tend to drop below the recommended level, then you’ll need to take your bonsai for indoor growing. You’ll need to find a permanent position out of cold draughts, next to a window. An humidity tray can be of great help to get the right levels of humidity needed by the plant, also avoid at all costs putting serissa near a radiator, or somewhere above it, or else the air will be too dry for the plant. Moving the plant constantly will make growing it more difficult as it will be under stress.

When it comes to watering, you need to give it the appropriate amounts of water and then do not water again until the soil has nearly dried out. Overwatering is an issue with Serissa bonsai trees, and it is evidenced by yellowish leaves.

Pruning and repotting is simpler. Just cut away the suckers unless they are needed for trunk styles, repotting is done in Spring when the growth starts and using always standard soil mix.

Serissa bonsai feeding must be done once a month when it is winter time, and when the growth is stronger, you’ll need to feed it every two weeks. If the plant is not showing new growth, do not feed it.

Continuing with our description of different bonsai trees, we have now the bougainvillea bonsai tree. Unlike other types of bonsai trees which are great for beginners and take a little time to maintain, the bougainvillea bonsai is a plant that needs regular maintenance because by nature this is a climbing tree that can grow up to 4 meters. Besides regular maintenance in terms of pruning, additional knowledge in watering, lighting, feeding, repotting, temperature, etc, is needed to have a great looking and healthy plant.

Bougainvillea bonsai tree care basics

Watering. There are many things to consider with this type of plant. To start let’s take about watering. This is a plant that finds more comfort with low levels of water, so you only do it sparingly. Once the plant enters flowering period, its needs for water will increase, so you’ll have to adjust the watering properly.

Soil Feeding. Feeding is usually recommended every week or up to two weeks. For this part, you’ll need to be very observant and check if it looks like your plant needs more feeding, that is why this is now a beginner bonsai tree.

Temperature and lighting. The ideal temperature for a bougainvillea bonsai tree is between 49 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit. If that is not possible, check that at least the temperature doesn’t drop down to 45 degrees. When it comes to lighting, the bonsai tree will enjoy more health when it is located in direct sunlight, caring of course not to overexpose the leaves to the sun, which can burn them.

Pruning and sculpting. You can prune the bougainvillea really whenever you want. When you first start with your plant, be sure to cut the new growth on a monthly basis, this way your plant will look ‘bushier’. Sometimes the growth of the plant can be a problem – if that is your case, it is time to cut back the desired branches.