Hi ....

Since I live in an apartment, all my bonsai are
indoor plants. I keep them under flourescent
growlights, and the pots are placed over a tray
of pebbles filled with water to maintain high
humidity.

The Serissa foetida plants seem to be particularly
fussy. Leaves tend to yellow and dry out fast
despite watering and high humidity. The shoots
take a long time to grow, and in some places where
I've pinched back, there's no growth at all.

I am also trying to propagate the plants using
cuttings from the parent plants, but very few have
survived. I've tried to root them in water, as
well as plant cuttings dipped in root hormone.

Can anyone provide some tips on keeping these
plants happy in an indoor environment.

Thanks!
Shireen, bonsai novice

--
Shireen Gonzaga, Data Analyst O-
Space Telescope Science Institute _/ )
Office tel.#: 410-338-4412, e-mail: /|

Since I live in an apartment, all my bonsai are indoor plants.

They would be better off if you can figure out a way to put them outdoors for
the summer.

the pots are placed over a tray of pebbles filled with water to maintain
high
humidity.

This is a myth. You need a humidity gauge. In my experience, Serissas like cool
temperatures & humidity over 60%. What is your actual humidity reading?

Leaves tend to yellow and dry out fast despite watering and high humidity

You may be overwatering. Excess water will not replace adequate humidity.

The shoots take a long time to grow, and in some places where I've pinched
back, there's no growth at all.

Typical of Serissa. Prune often, but not severely.

I am also trying to propagate the plants using cuttings from the parent
plants, but very few have survived. I've tried to root them in water, as well
as plant cuttings dipped in root hormone.

Do you keep them under clear plastic domes or baggies?

Iris,
Central NY, Zone 5a, Sunset Zone 40
"If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming
train."
Robert Lowell (1917-1977)