Patrick: You have been given excellent advise from the members, but nothing was mentioned about "over watering", which could be one reason your Serissa is losing yellow leaves, and a second reason for yellowing and dropping is your tree is probably trying to acclimate itself to your environment, which usually is different than where it ws positioned prior to your acquisition.
Here's one method of watering:
Place a tooth pick or bamboo skewer into the soil (known as the Michael Persiano Pick) and do not water until the pick comes out almost damp to dry. Do not water a tree on a schedule. there are too many variables in when a tree needs watering.
Watering technique is very much related to the environmental conditions and placement of your tree. Michael Persiano has provided a time proven technique for determining when your tree requires water. The basic watering technique itself is this; first wet the surface of the 'soil'. This allows you to control the intensity and avoid the washing out that a heavier stream of water may cause. The purpose of this initial watering is to break the surface tension which tends to keep the water from penetrating down to the roots and deeper soil.
Once you have completed this initial watering, wait about 10 to 15 minute interval and then water again. You should water on to the soil until you see water spreading out under the pot. If you have the time wait another interval and water for the third time!
Good luck, Carl L. Rosner
Patrick Maloney wrote:
Hello Everyone,
I was given a bonsai tree as a gift in mid-February. The label states that
it is a "Tree of a Thousand Stars" (Serissa foetida). The label also states
that it is an "Evergreen indoor bonsai... Likes warm position and good
light, away from draughts. Min. temp 50F. Water frequently, feed weekly in
growing season."
I have done all this and yet the tree still seems very sickly. The leaves
are yellowing and dropping off, several per day. The food I'm using is
Chrysal plant food for Bonsai.
Any advice would be very welcome.
Thank you.
Patrick
--
Carl L. Rosner - near Atlantic City zone 6/7
www.carlrosner.com
http://www.yessy.com/arteacher3725
http://rosner.becanz.net
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