I finally got a Serissa cutting to take. It is growing with abandon -
literally. I can almost watch it grow. Now, my question is this: Every
Serissa I've seen around here for a reasonable price is tall and skinny with
long internodes. I'm currently growing them in fairly large pots to try and
thicken the trunk prior to chopping it. However, with the cutting I'd just
as soon avoid the long internodes to begin with. How often should I pinch
back new growth to maintain compact growth without tremendously slowing down
trunk thickening?

Thanks,

Jeff Isom
Cleveland, OH / Sunset Zone 39

-----Original Message-----
From: Derek Zieminski [mailto Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 12:34 PM
To:
Subject: [IBC] More Serissa questions


Dimitris

I am glad to have you as another fan of the Serissa, as this list more than
knows I am. Through my experience with them, a few yellow leaves here and
there is no big deal and nothing to worry about. As long as there is still
growth as you say, you done have any worries. As far as my opinion on a
good
beginner tree I would say the one you have. My beginner was a Serissa,
although I too am still a beginner with about four years under my belt I
still find it as a very enjoyable learning tool. Now im sure everyone on
the
list will disagree as always, but I expect that. So I will also recommend
you try a tree from the Ficus family, whether it be a Retusa or a Green
Island. They are a tropical and will pretty much take and recover from mass
abuse and neglect which makes them a good tree for learning. I want to
commend you on posting about Serissa, this is very harsh territory on this
list, although I enjoy it!!

Derek Zieminski
Summerville, SC
Zone 8A

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