|
Sun, Apr 1, 07 at 18:31
| Hello everyone,
My boyfriend got me a Serrisa for valentines day and to be perfectly honest I don't have a clue what I am doing. So far I have watered it when the soil dries out like the man in the shop said and I have a tray with water underneath it. I have just fed it for the first time, the man recommended once a month, and as I was doing so I noticed there are little insect things living in the soil, they look like little spiders. Is this normal? So far the tree has grown a little bit and could do with pruning but should I just cut off the new bits? A few leaves are yellow/brown and fall off when they are touched. I was wondering if this was normal. I keep in on a window sill in the sunlight and I don't think its had any adverse effects so far. If anyone could answer my questions or give me any other advice, it would be much appreciated. Amy |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| You should probably leave it outside, unless you live in the arctic. It will be much happier there. Occasional leaf dropping is normal although if it becomes extreme then you know something is wrong. You should put a shoot of bamboo, popsicle stick, or chopstick into the soil to find out if it's really dry or not when you water - sometimes even though the top layer of soil is dry the rest is still wet and you may be overwatering it. As for pruning advice, your best bet is to post some pictures. |
|
| No, I don't think it should be outside 'unless you live in the arctic'. It's a tropical, or at least semi-tropical tree and can't take more than a very light frost at best, let alone below freezing temps and snow. If the pot isn't propped up on stones above the tray's water, you'll rot the roots when water gets in there. It should be in the most sun you can give it all day long and water when the top half inch is dry, but don't wait til all the soil's dry, though the 'stick' idea of testing for wetness lower down is good as it's true cheap (peaty) potting soil with no grit or perlite throughout drains too slowly. I'd prune most of it back to a couple of pairs of leaves on most branches, then let it go again til you have 5-6 pairs, and then trim again, but don't be constantly pruning or it will never develop properly. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Bonsai Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.