serissa japonica
Hello everyone,
I returned today from the Philadelphia Flower Show with a major investment and a work of art. I am a proud owner of what seems to be a 30 year old or so Serissa Japonica in slight semi-cascade / slanting style. The tree seems to be in great shape aside from needing some root-pruning and a pot. The leaves are green and there are presently no signs of flowers. Currently the tree is in a plastic pot with a good amount of healthy white roots wrapped all around. The root mass does not seem to be too overcrowded yet. The tree is about 15" tall and it lives in a 10" pot. Upon watering the tree it took a good amount of time for the water to appear in the drainage tray. Considering the soil seems to have very good drainage, I would say that the roots have not complete forced the soil out of the pot. I know that Serissa can be temperamental. I realize that they don't like environmental changes. They tend to lose their leaves on a whim. I will take precaution not to over water the tree (seems to be a major killer of the species). I plan to mist the tree in the morning for added humidity. However I can't do anything about the change of scenery. I don't know if the tree was an outdoor tree because I did not get a chance to talk to the previous owner. I am assuming that since the tree came from Philadelphia, and Philly is hardly a tropical city, it must have spend a good amount of time indoors; and inside it will stay until I buy a house. I do have ample amount of sunlight in the apartment. But I have read conflicting opinions on the type of sunlight the Serissa desires. Most seem to suggest that it likes medium and indirect sunlight. I will need to work on that considering I have Southern and Western Exposure. What have been your experiences? Does anyone residing in the Northeastern part of US have experience with this tree? Taking into consideration Serissa's dislike for being moved, would it be safe to transplant and root-prune the tree in a few weeks? I can always comb out the roots and put it in a larger pot until next spring or autumn, if it is unsafe to move the tree. The last I want is to be the one to bring about the demise of this beautiful tree. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? (This is my first Serissa.) Oh, and how bad is the "wretched" smell produced by root-pruning? Thank you in advance, Dmitry |
serissa japonica
I am a proud owner of what seems to be a 30 year old or so Serissa Japonica
in slight semi-cascade / slanting style. I won't comment too much on the age of the tree, but what makes you think it is 30 years old? What is the trunk caliper? The correct name is Serissa foetida. The species originated in China. Currently the tree is in a plastic pot with a good amount of healthy white roots wrapped all around. The root mass does not seem to be too overcrowded yet. The tree is about 15" tall and it lives in a 10" pot. Upon watering the tree it took a good amount of time for the water to appear in the drainage tray. From your description, I would say the pot is about the right size, but the tree is badly in need of repotting in a better draining soil. I plan to mist the tree in the morning for added humidity. This will not help significantly. You need a humidity gauge, and possibly a humidifier. inside it will stay until I buy a house. I do have ample amount of sunlight in the apartment. But I have read conflicting opinions on the type of sunlight the Serissa desires. Most seem to suggest that it likes medium and indirect sunlight. You should try to make arrangements to keep the tree outdoors in the summer. Outdoors, Serissa likes just a little shade. Indoors it should get full sun. Under fluorescent lights is even better. What is more important, try to keep it cool. Does anyone residing in the Northeastern part of US have experience with this tree? I have killed more than my share. would it be safe to transplant and root-prune the tree in a few weeks? Wait until the weather is warmer & it is acclimated to your conditions. Oh, and how bad is the "wretched" smell produced by root-pruning? It smells like a slightly spoiled radish. I have smelled worse. 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) |
serissa japonica
"Iris Cohen" wrote in message
... I am a proud owner of what seems to be a 30 year old or so Serissa Japonica in slight semi-cascade / slanting style. I won't comment too much on the age of the tree, but what makes you think it is 30 years old? What is the trunk caliper? The correct name is Serissa foetida. The species originated in China. I probably overestimated its age. Its probably only 20 to 22 years. I can post a picture in the gallery if you are interested. Currently the tree is in a plastic pot with a good amount of healthy white roots wrapped all around. The root mass does not seem to be too overcrowded yet. The tree is about 15" tall and it lives in a 10" pot. Upon watering the tree it took a good amount of time for the water to appear in the drainage tray. From your description, I would say the pot is about the right size, but the tree is badly in need of repotting in a better draining soil. I plan to mist the tree in the morning for added humidity. This will not help significantly. You need a humidity gauge, and possibly a humidifier. Thanx for your suggestion. It actually happens that I do have one. I am assuming that I can pick up a humidity gauge in the local Radio Shack. What's the recommended humidity percentage for this species? inside it will stay until I buy a house. I do have ample amount of sunlight in the apartment. But I have read conflicting opinions on the type of sunlight the Serissa desires. Most seem to suggest that it likes medium and indirect sunlight. You should try to make arrangements to keep the tree outdoors in the summer. Outdoors, Serissa likes just a little shade. Indoors it should get full sun. Under fluorescent lights is even better. What is more important, try to keep it cool. Does anyone residing in the Northeastern part of US have experience with this tree? I have killed more than my share. would it be safe to transplant and root-prune the tree in a few weeks? Wait until the weather is warmer & it is acclimated to your conditions. Oh, and how bad is the "wretched" smell produced by root-pruning? It smells like a slightly spoiled radish. I have smelled worse. 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) Thank you very much for all your suggestions. I will definitely wait to transplant and prune the tree until it becomes more acclimated to its new environment. Dmitry |
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