Serissa Variegata

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Rubiaceae or Rubiaceae

Order

Gentianales

Genus

Serissa

Species

foetida

Description

Evergreen perennial shrub, suitable for bonsai cultivation due to its developed habit, the elegance of its small leaves as well as its flowering with numerous white starry-crowned flowers which give it the common name 'Thousand Star Tree'. Demanding in its water and moisture management, it prefers sunny exposures, especially in the varieties of Chinese origin, also tolerating warm climatic conditions while at temperatures below 10°C it should be placed indoors, sheltered from cold draughts.

Variety description

Rubiaceae family, in the wild it grows in China, Japan and India where it is an evergreen shrub. Mainly known for its bonsai production, it has small, tender, persistent foliage and the trunk's bark, which is pale, well incised and tends to scale. In summer, if environmental conditions permit, it produces a considerable mass of white, star-shaped flowers, the production of which can last the whole season. Mostly the leaves are green, but there are also variegated varieties with yellow streaks. Bonsai trees of this species are considered to be indoor, because they cannot tolerate temperatures <10°c

Curiosities and special features

The specific epithet foetida derives from the unpleasant smell often emitted by damaged or cut plant parts.

The art of bonsai, i.e. the technique of cultivating miniature trees, has very ancient origins. Originating in China and spreading to Japan, it takes on profound meanings that reconcile philosophical and spiritual principles, in search of a symbiosis between man and nature. Today, also thanks to cultural exchanges and international events in the sector, bonsai cultivation has developed throughout the West.

Origin and distribution

Species native to the subtropical biome of southern China and Taiwan.

Flower size

The flower is small, lending elegance to the lush bloom.

Leaf

The small leaves have elliptical lamina.

Flowering period

If environmental conditions permit, flowering lasts from mid-spring to late summer for between 30 and 90 days.

Leaf colour

Homogeneous tone.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.8 m, depending on the growing conditions and environment.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

Suitable as a pot plant , large pots, small pots depending on the age of the specimen.

Stem

The woody stem is characterised by a pale, well-incised bark that tends to flake off.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a star-shaped corolla and solid-coloured petals. It flowers from mid-spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 30 and 90 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Plant with indeterminate growth.

Plant habit

The bearing is erect and often sinuous.

Branching

It naturally develops little branching.

PH

It requires a pH of the growing and cultivation substrate between 5.5 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Indoor plant in the cold season, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 30 °CThevital temperature is between 5 and 40 °C. Depending on the climatic conditions, the Serissa foetida is an indoor bonsai: in winter it is necessary to keep the temperature above 10 °C and protect it from cold draughts, while it can be placed outside in late spring.

Use

Species valued as bonsai in:

Ornamental Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

With low rusticity, it tolerates heat but is often considered an indoor bonsai in relation to the climatic conditions during the colder season.

Soil

Use a standard bonsai soil. The mixture can be about 20-30% with a fairly porous part (sand, volcanic material, etc.), 50% with a clay fraction (akadama), plus 20-30% peat-based soil.

Difficulty

Cultivation is on average difficult, but with proper and correct cultivation care regarding fertilisation, irrigation and pruning as well as paying attention to ideal exposure and temperatures, you will obtain excellent results with significant ornamental value.

Growing tips

Some specific tips and useful cultivation indications:

Prefers warm and humid climate Requires a lot of light to flower Shelter the plant indoors at temperatures below 12°C in good light conditions

Pruning

As a plant that tends to grow quickly and with long internodes, it should be carefully controlled from early spring, keeping it clean of dead branches and removing suckers. Pruning should be done on young shoots, topping the new growth at 1-2 leaf pairs after flowering. Always use special tools with sharp, clean blades.

Propagation

Mainly by semi-woody cutting.

Repotting

Repot every other year in young plants, starting when the plant shows clear signs of vegetative awakening. For more mature plants, repot every three to four years.

Watering

Throughout the growing season, water the pot under the foliage abundantly, taking care that the soil does not dry out too much, but at the same time preventing waterlogging. During the winter it is preferable to keep the soil relatively dry, without allowing the potting soil to dry out, in order to allow the plant some vegetative rest. If indoors, it is always advisable to spray the foliage with demineralised water in order to maintain a high level of humidity.

Fertilising

Fertilise continuously by feeding the pot under the foliage with slow-release organic fertilisers specifically for bonsai; through subsequent irrigations the plant will have the necessary nutrients available. Also remove exhausted fertiliser granules every month and replace them with new ones.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

In low humidity conditions, spray the foliage with demineralised water. The variegated species is a little more delicate with regard to light and humidity, which must be slightly lower than the green variety. It is possible in summer to apply fertiliser rich in Phosphorus and Potassium by means of fertigation, to prepare the plant for a vegetative resting phase Water, allowing the substrate to dry out a little between one watering and the next, taking care never to let it dry out too much. If this is the case, intervene immediately by immersing the loaf of soil in water at room temperature for 5-10 minutes and then drain well. Water under the foliage with a little water after 5-6 hours.