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who here has a serissa bonsai? Are they very temperamental? I'm contemplating getting one but I'm not sure if I have all the correct environmental needs for this type of tree. I read that they can be "needy".

simplysaid wrote: who here has a serissa bonsai?

Had one. It was a gift. It dropped its leaves and died.

Are they very temperamental?

I know they are not easy.

wow... you're very encouraging (I'm joking) :lol:
I'm guessing that you didn't have an interest in obtaining another one.

simplysaid wrote: wow... you're very encouraging (I'm joking) :lol:
I'm guessing that you didn't have an interest in obtaining another one.

It was ages ago. The soil was that typical yellowish stuff that turns into a brick when you forget to water.
So, can't blame the plant, really, but indeed, I'm not interested in obtaining another one as I don't do indoor trees (except a Jade 'tree', that propagates like weed).
I have considered it, as they do look kinda nice, but after checking several sites I decided not to bother - too finicky.

So, that's why:

"Though very commonly found for sale at bonsai establishments[...], the Serissa is notorious for being hard to keep for both experienced hobbyists and beginners alike. The Serissa has a tendency to yellowing and dropping leaves if correct growing conditions are not kept.

Being a subtropical species Serissa have to be protected from temperatures below 7°C which means indoor cultivation is required in most areas of Europe and America for a good proportion of the year. However, here lies the heart of the problem with this species; it is difficult to keep up the humidity levels required by Serissa in an indoor environment"

Source:

simplysaid wrote: wow... you're very encouraging (I'm joking)

Well... seems I'm discouraging people most of the time, telling them that pine isn't really that great starter material, their 4 year old mallsai will not become a good bonsai any time soon, their montezuma pine has too large needles and isn't good for bonsai, and that an avocado really is not suitable.

Let me tell what I do like for bonsai and what does well in our dutch climate:

Junipers, of course. Procumbens nana (still don't have one, I should), Chinese junipers, Juniperus Squamata Meyerii (the one in my avatar)
Maples - Japanese, of course, like the usual Palmatums, especially Kiyo Hime that's a small tree, and fairly easy to get reasonable results with, and Acer buergerianum. I got one original Acer Palmatum 'palmatum'. Acer Campestre, of course, not japanese but a local one.
Pines - black pines and white pines (there are more pines that are interesting , but I don't have them)
Larch, obviously
Crataegus
Hornbeam. Got quite a few saplings 2 years ago, preparing them to make a forest
Azalea. They're supposed to be not so difficult, but I've not had much luck with 'm yet. All far from becoming bonsai. They do flower beautifully though (if I allow them)
Horse chestnut. Because they are for free . Got a few horse chestnuts in my garden for a few years already, growing a fat trunk. Not ideal for bonsai but yeah... they cost nothing.
A few oaks, also from seed. Long term of course.

I've got some more species, mostly local things, that do well in our climate.
I usually don't buy expensive pre-bonsai, only recently I've started spending more money on that (also as, frankly, I will be too old before I can grow anything decent from seed).

So, that's what I have. Local species mostly, or species that are known to do well in our climate.
Deciduous trees I find the easiest to work with, pines are harder and require more study (you really need to know the difference between single flush pines like white pine, and dual flush pines like the black pine).

So, for beginners, I'd recommend an outdoor, local, deciduous trees. There are many such trees that you can get satisfying results with.

I have had two Serissa's, neither survived very long. For indoors Ficus Benjamin is a decent choice.

Dave

AUK
Seems you have gained the experience to help people and I appreciate that. I was considering a series a as a gift, but my research and this forum has pointed me in a direction of a sageretia. I picked one up at the same place where I took a class. The sageretia seems more of a tropical tree that can handle the indoor environment of our are of the USA. I like the tree so much, I'm keeping it for myself.
In the spring I'm going to do some air layering and put my trees in training pots to start their journey to bonsai.
By the way... You're never to old to pass down your knowledge. It helps us feel immortal.