Guide for a Snow Rose Bonsai (Serissa foetida)
The Snow Rose, or Serissa, is a popular subtropical evergreen known for its miniature leaves, delicate white flowers that bloom almost year-round, and attractive textured bark. It is famous for being temperamental and is best suited for growers who can provide a stable environment.
General Health Requirements
- Hardiness: Subtropical; must be protected from frost and prefers temperatures consistently above 10C. Best grown indoors or in a greenhouse in cool climates.
- Stability: The Serissa is highly sensitive to sudden changes in environment, temperature, or light ("fussy"). Moving it frequently will cause sudden and complete leaf drop.
- Sun Exposure: Needs bright light (4–6 hours of direct sun or strong grow lights) to maintain health and flowering. Avoid intense, scorching afternoon sun.
- Vigour: Moderate; responds well to repeated tip pruning to maintain shape.
Year-Round Care Summary
Aspect, Timing & Requirements, Key Goal
Watering
Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist at all times. Never let it dry out. Needs high humidity, especially when grown indoors in winter.
Prevent root drying (lethal) or root rot (if soil is soggy).
Feeding
Year-Round: Moderate feeding with a balanced liquid fertiliser (lower dose in winter) to support continuous growth and flowering.
Maintain energy for consistent flowering and foliage.
Pruning
Maintenance (Year-Round): Tip-prune frequently (cutting back 1–2 leaves) to maintain shape and encourage density. Prune after flowers fade.
Maintain fine ramification and encourage re-flowering.
Wiring
Year-Round: Wire young, pliable shoots. Remove wire quickly (4–8 weeks) as the thin bark scars easily. Cut-and-grow is often safer.
Set branch direction.
Repotting
Every 1–2 years in late spring/early summer when actively growing. Root prune conservatively.
Renew soil and prevent the dense root ball from choking.