Identification and Control Methods for Common Pests and Diseases of Serissa
(1) Damping-off
This disease is caused by infection by the fungi Pythium aphanidermatum and Pythium ultimum, and is a seedling-stage disease that seriously threatens the growth of Serissa. On affected seedlings, water-soaked lesions first appear at the base of the stem, then turn brown and become sunken and shrunken; afterward the diseased area rapidly girdles the stem, causing the seedling to collapse. Finally the diseased seedlings rot and dry up. High humidity, overly dense sowing, and weak, spindly seedlings all easily trigger this disease.
Control methods: 1. Strengthen cultivation management. During the seedling stage, control the amount of watering; the soil should not be too wet. Seedlings should not be planted too densely, and thinning should be done in good time to maintain ventilation and light in the field. 2. Soil disinfection. Formalin or 70% quintozene can be used to disinfect the soil. Where conditions permit, greenhouses can also use steam to disinfect the soil; the method is: bury iron pipes in the soil, cover the soil surface with a waterproof canvas, then introduce steam for 30-60 minutes.
(2) Root rot
This disease is caused by infection by the fungus Phytophthora parasitica. It mainly infects the base of the plant stem; the affected area is water-soaked, brown, and wet-rotten, and this causes the plant's leaves to turn light green or gray, and finally to wilt and die. Rain and humid environmental conditions favor the occurrence and spread of this disease.
Control methods: 1. Pay attention to ventilation in the greenhouse. Avoid water leaking from the roof or improper watering that wets the leaves. Promptly remove diseased leaves and diseased plants and burn them in a centralized manner to reduce sources of infection. 2. Apply chemicals. In the early stage of the disease, spray 7.5% chlorothalonil wettable powder at 600-800 times dilution, or 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 1000 times dilution, or 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 800 times dilution. Spray once every 10-15 days, for 2-3 consecutive sprays.
(3) Leaf miner
The leaf miner, also called the leaf-clamping worm, is an omnivorous pest. The insect mainly feeds on the leaf mesophyll as larvae tunneling inside the host leaves, forming grayish-white serpentine mines; in severe cases, a single leaf may contain dozens of mines, and the mesophyll is almost entirely eaten away, causing the leaf to wither. Adults can also cause damage: female adults pierce the leaf tissue with their ovipositor to lay eggs, and both male and female adults suck plant sap from the puncture wounds, forming many white spots on the leaf surface.
Control methods: 1. Promptly remove damaged leaves and destroy them in a centralized manner; in severely affected areas, after the flowering period, cut off the aboveground parts and burn or bury them deeply. 2. When small insect mines begin to appear on the leaves, apply chemicals promptly for control. Spray 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution, or 50% fenitrothion at 1500 times dilution. Spray once every half month, for 2-3 consecutive sprays.
(4) Leaf blight nematode
disease: This disease is caused by infection by the Serissa bud nematode and mainly damages the leaves. Initially there are small light brown spots, which then enlarge; as the necrotic spots on the leaves increase, the leaves dry up, and in severe cases the leaves of the whole plant die, with the dead leaves drooping and generally not falling off for a long time, though there are also cases of heavy leaf drop. The disease is severe in flower nurseries with loose soil and shallow plowing.
Control methods: 1. Use disease-resistant varieties. 2. Strengthen cultivation management. Promptly remove diseased residues and wild hosts and burn them in a centralized manner; when cultivating in the open field, prevent splashing from watering to reduce chances of spread. 3. Establish disease-free nurseries. Do not introduce diseased plants; for branches carrying nematodes, soak them in warm water at 50°C for 10 minutes before cutting, which can kill the nematodes. You can also take advantage of the fact that nematodes cannot attack the terminal buds of the stem, and cut the stem terminal buds as propagation material to cultivate healthy seedlings. 4. Chemical control during the growing period. Around diseased plants, apply 15% aldicarb granules in holes, using 2-6 grams per square meter, mix with 30 times fine soil and stir evenly, then apply in separate holes around the plant and water.
Serissa Serissa foetida Serissa illustrated guide: how to grow Serissa / how to propagate Serissa
Serissa profileSerissa Serissa foetida
Cultivation methods and precautions for Serissa Introduction to Serissa
Serissa, an evergreen small shrub, blooms in June, and from a distance looks as if wrapped in silver, like snow falling in June, elegant and lovely, hence the name. Its aliases include Suiye Dongqing, Baimagu, Suxin, Ximing, and Serissa; one name is Ximing, another is Suxin. In June it opens fine white flowers; the tree is very small with sparse, graceful branches and leaves, full of refined charm, and can be made into a potted ornament. It likes light shade and fears the sun; it is often found beneath the trees and foliage of deep mountains. It can be divided and planted in spring, or cuttings can be taken during the yellow plum rain season; it is suitable to water it with light tea. -------Quoted from Qing dynasty, Chen Haozi's "Hua Jing, Volume 3, Flowers and Trees"
Serissa (scientific name: Serissa foetida) is the only species in the genus Serissa (Serissa) of the family Rubiaceae, an evergreen shrub plant, and one of the trees commonly used in Chinese bonsai. This tree species is native to subtropical regions. Every summer it blooms with star-shaped white flowers, as if snow has accumulated on the tree. The flowers can be single-petaled or double-petaled; some leaves are green, small and smooth on the surface. In modern times, purple-flowered varieties and variegated-leaf cultivars have been cultivated. In temperate regions it can be grown as an indoor plant. Serissa is a common ornamental flowering and foliage plant. In midsummer, among the green leaves, the plain and refined little white flowers bloom in competition; seen up close they are like a sky full of stars, hence it is also called Mantianxing.
Morphological characteristics of Serissa
Evergreen or semi-evergreen clustered small shrub. The plant is low, less than 1 m tall, with many dense branches that appear tangled. Young branches are green with fine hairs and have a foul odor when rubbed; old stems are brown with obvious wrinkles; young branches are slender and upright, green. Leaves are opposite or clustered on small branches, long elliptic or long elliptic-lanceolate, about 0.7 cm to 1.5 cm long, with entire margins. Flowers are white with a reddish tinge or pale pinkish purple, solitary or in clusters of several, with a funnel-shaped corolla. Entire margin, blunt apex, thickly leathery, dark green, glossy. The flowers are small, densely borne at the tips of small branches; the corolla is about 7 mm long, funnel-shaped, pubescent, white with a slight reddish tinge; the calyx is green with lobed teeth and a hard texture. The small drupe is nearly spherical; the flowering period is from June to July. Commonly cultivated forms include golden-edged Serissa (leaf margins golden yellow), variegated-leaf Serissa, and double-petaled Serissa. In midsummer, among the green leaves, the plain and refined little white flowers bloom in competition; seen up close they are like a sky full of stars, hence it is also called Mantianxing.
Serissa has delicate, slender branches, exquisite and elegant, and glossy round leaves like floating clouds. If made into potted plants or bonsai and placed indoors, it stays evergreen through the four seasons, with exposed roots and gripping claws, twisted and interlocking branches, ancient and plain and elegant; especially in the scorching midsummer, it not only gives people the enjoyment of natural beauty and artistic beauty, but also makes people feel cool and comfortable, relaxed and happy. The modern person Chen Changming once wrote a "Shuixianzi" tune praising it: "In deep mountains and forest edges was its old home, in June it opens fine broken flowers, like drifting down piece by piece from the distant sky. It delights in clear shade and displays light elegance, arranged along courtyard steps with refined charm beyond compare. It does not ask a thousand gold in price, personally offered with a cup of tea, its heat-relieving power far surpasses floating melon."
Serissa is not only an excellent material for potted plants and bonsai, but is also suitable for flower beds, roadside planting, flower hedges, and border planting.
Serissa belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is also called "Mantianxing" and is similar to Baimagu, but its corolla is longer, and it can be used for ornamental purposes. It is produced in the provinces south of the Yangtze River basin in China.
Evergreen small shrub with many branches. Leaves are small and opposite, elliptic and pointed, slightly leathery, with a gradually pointed apex and a short petiole, often clustered on the upper part of small branches. Stipules are membranous, broad at the base, with several spiny hairs at the top. Flowers are small and white, numerous, looking like snow from afar; the flowering period is June, hence the name Serissa. There are single-petaled and double-petaled forms. There is also a Peking opera title with the same name. It evolved from the Yuan dynasty Guan Hanqing's zaju "The Injustice of Dou E." It is also called "Beheading Dou E," "The Golden Lock Record," and "Sheep Tripe Soup."
Ecological habits of Serissa
It likes sunlight but is also fairly shade-tolerant, and fears fierce winds and scorching sun; during hot summer periods it should have light shade. In June it opens fine white flowers; the tree is very small with sparse, graceful branches and leaves, full of refined charm, and can be made into a potted ornament. It likes light shade and fears the sun; it is often found beneath the trees and foliage of deep mountains. It can be divided and planted in spring, or cuttings can be taken during the yellow plum rain season; it is suitable to water it with light tea. It is not strict about temperature; in South China it is evergreen, and in the Southwest it is semi-evergreen. It has strong drought tolerance and is not strict about soil. For pot cultivation, a moist culture soil that contains humus, is loose and fertile, and has strong permeability and slight acidity is suitable, and it will grow well.
It likes warm and humid climatic conditions and a semi-shaded, semi-sunny, loose, fertile, well-drained soil; neutral and slightly acidic soils are especially suitable. Its cold resistance is not strong, and overwintering in a greenhouse in winter requires temperatures above 0°C. Its sprouting ability and tillering ability are relatively strong, so it tolerates pruning and is also easy to shape. In southern gardens it is often planted in the open ground beneath tree canopies and among shrubs; in the north it is mostly grown in pots for ornament and overwinters indoors. It is also a good bonsai material. Cutting seedlings bloom 2-3 years after planting out.
Functions and uses of Serissa
Its tree form is graceful, with sparse, elegant branches and leaves, exquisite and refined. It is a beautiful flowering and foliage tree species in landscaping, and also an excellent bonsai material. It is one of the five famous trees in Lingnan bonsai, and has long enjoyed the reputation of being one of the "Eighteen Scholars" of tree-stump bonsai. It is one of the bonsai plants exported to the United States after China's entry into the WTO.
Distribution area of Serissa
Serissa is native to the provinces south of the Yangtze River in China, with wild distribution from Jiangsu to Guangdong. It mostly grows at forest edges, in thickets, by roadsides, on grassy slopes, and by streams.
Serissa is mainly distributed in the southeastern and central provinces of China such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Guangdong. It is also distributed in Japan and Taiwan. It mostly grows wild among mountain forests and on rocky banks by streams. It is a subtropical tree species and likes warm and humid climatic conditions and a semi-shaded, semi-sunny, loose, fertile, well-drained soil; neutral and slightly acidic soils are especially suitable. Its cold resistance is not strong, and overwintering in a greenhouse in winter requires temperatures above 0°C. Its sprouting ability and tillering ability are relatively strong, so it tolerates pruning and is also easy to shape. In southern gardens it is often planted in the open ground beneath tree canopies and among shrubs; in the north it is mostly grown in pots for ornament and overwinters indoors. It is also a good bonsai material.
Variety classification of Serissa Common varieties
The number of Serissa planted in North China is developing, and landscaping departments have brought in quite a few from the south. There are two common types on the market: one is the clustered type, with slightly reddish flowers and a trumpet-shaped flower, which is a coarse variety; the other is a single-trunk small-tree form, with pure white double-petaled flowers, which is a superior variety.
Related varieties
The varieties of Serissa include:
(1) Yinmu, smaller than the original species, with thick leaves, small branches growing upright upward, and relatively small leaves densely clustered at the tips of small branches, with sparser flowers.
(2) Golden-edged Serissa, with larger leaves and narrow golden-yellow margins.
(3) Double-petaled Serissa, with pointed buds, pale purple, turning white when the flowers open, double-petaled flowers, and a relatively thick texture.
(4) Double-petaled Yinmu, with double-petaled flowers.
Main varieties
1. Double-petaled Serissa (var. pleniflora Makino), with double petals.
2. Double-petaled Serissa (var. duplex Makino), with double petals.
3. Variegated-leaf Serissa (var. variegata Hort.), also called spotted-leaf Serissa. The leaf surface has white markings.
4. Golden-edged Serissa (var. aureo-marginata Hort.), with yellow leaf margins.
Additional species
Baimagu (Serissa serissoides (DC.) Druce) is very similar to Serissa, but this species has a corolla twice the length of the sepals, while Serissa's corolla is nearly equal in length to the sepals, so they can be distinguished. It is also often used in bonsai.
Serissa is produced in Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Taiwan, and other provinces, and is a common tree species under subtropical forests. It is also distributed in Japan.
It likes shade and tolerates moisture, and fears strong light, so wild plants mostly grow under forests, by ditches, or in thickets. It likes a warm climate and is not tolerant of severe cold; it is suitable for growing on loose, well-drained loam, and can adapt to both neutral and slightly acidic soils. Its sprouting and tillering ability is very strong, and it tolerates pruning.
Medicinal dietary or medicinal value of Serissa
The medical information and health dietary information on Huhua Network is for reference only and cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis or medical treatment. Any health problem should be consulted with professional medical personnel, and the treatment of any disease should follow a doctor's advice.
Ultimate flower-protecting task: To love yourself, start from reality and strictly follow a doctor's advice. Toward illness, do not be careless, do not delay, do not give up hope; face it bravely, warm the silent world with love, and care for the flower field within your heart with your heart.
Medicinal value
[Aliases] Baimagu, Lubenjiang, Tianxingmu, Lubianjing, Jiguchai
[Source] It is the whole plant of the Rubiaceae Serissa genus plant Serissa serissoides (DC.) Druce, used as medicine. It can be collected throughout the year. Wash and use fresh, or cut into sections and dry in the sun.
Note: The related plant Baimagu Serissa foetida Comm. is also used as Serissa for medicine, with similar effects.
[Source morphology] Evergreen small shrub, usually 1 m tall, much branched, with long slender roots and yellow outer bark. Branches are stout, grayish-white or bluish-gray; young branches have fine hairs and have a foul odor when rubbed. Leaves are opposite or clustered on short branches, nearly leathery, obovate, elliptic, or oblanceolate. It opens small white flowers in August. The drupe is small and spherical.
[Nature, flavor, and meridian entry] Bland, slightly pungent, cool.
[Functions and indications] Strengthen the spleen and drain dampness, soothe the liver and invigorate blood. Used for infantile malnutrition, acute and chronic hepatitis, amenorrhea, leukorrhea, and rheumatic low back pain.
[Usage and dosage] Internal use: decoct in water, 3-5 qian (1-2 liang if fresh). External use: burn to ash, strain the liquid and apply; or decoct in water to wash, or pound and apply.
[Adverse reactions] Do not take together with tea, red wine, etc.; there may be slight adverse reactions such as mild headache and dry mouth.
[Excerpt] "Compilation of National Chinese Herbal Medicines"
Literature discussions
1. "Bencao Shiyi": "Stops watery dysentery."
2. "Shengcao Yaoxing Bei Yao": "Treats typhoid, heatstroke, manic raving, fire syndromes, and also reduces body heat."
3. "Ningxiang County Annals": "Nodes: can treat infantile convulsions and abdominal pain; branches: burned to ash can be used to dot eye films."
4. "Zhiwu Ming Shi Tu Kao": "Treats heat syndromes, sores and hemorrhoids, and women's leukorrhea."
5. "Lingnan Caiyao Lu": "Relieves summerheat, dissipates accumulated stagnation, stops dysentery; and treats typhoid, seasonal epidemics, dorsal boils, dissipates carbuncles and abscesses, and draws out toxins."
6. "Nanjing Folk Medicinal Herbs": "Stops vomiting blood."
7. "Experimental Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine": "Treats red, swollen, painful eyes."
8. "Anhui Medicinal Materials": "Boiled with old hen, it can treat chronic nephritis edema."
9. "Guizhou Folk Medicines": "Clears heat and detoxifies, soothes meridians and invigorates collaterals. Treats knife wounds, paralysis, male and female weakness syndromes, and flying boils."
10. "Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Record": "Treats sore throat."
11. "Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine Record": "Clears heat, dispels wind. Treats dizziness and blurred vision and pathogenic heat in the chest and diaphragm."
12. Guangzhou Military Region "Handbook of Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines": "Soothes the liver and relieves depression, clears heat and drains dampness, reduces swelling and draws out toxins. Treats acute and chronic hepatitis, rheumatic waist and leg pain, carbuncles, swellings, malignant sores, and snake bites."
13. "Shanghai Handbook of Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines": "Invigorates blood, reduces swelling, dispels wind, transforms dampness, and also has a tonic effect. Treats women's amenorrhea, excessive leukorrhea, dizziness, and weakness."
14. "Jiangsu Selected Compilation of Proven Herbal Remedies": "Treats chyluria. Decocted with Shidachuan and taken, it treats facial nerve paralysis."
15. "Zhejiang Folk Commonly Used Herbal Medicines": "Calms the liver, drains dampness, strengthens the spleen, and stops diarrhea."
Medicinal value
Serissa is used as medicine from the whole plant; its nature and flavor are bland, slightly pungent, and cool; it has the effects of dispelling wind and releasing the exterior, clearing heat and draining dampness, and soothing sinews and invigorating collaterals. Specific selected formulas include:
1. To treat acute icteric hepatitis: Serissa 30 g, gardenia and Iris tectorum 10 g each, Fozhijia 30 g, and Scutellaria barbata 15 g; decoct in water, 1 dose per day.
2. To treat common cold: Serissa 30 g, honeysuckle and chrysanthemum 10 g each; decoct in water and take; or Serissa, Pteris multifida, and Ajuga decumbens 30 g each; decoct in water and take.
3. To treat enteritis and diarrhea: Serissa and Rosa multiflora root 30 g each; decoct in water and drink as tea.
4. To treat acute keratitis and corneal nebula: Remove the coarse bark from Serissa root, take the second layer of bark, add an appropriate amount of milk, pound to extract the juice, then filter with gauze, and apply as eye drops, 3-5 times daily, 1-2 drops each time.
5. For red, swollen, painful eyes: Serissa 40 g and chrysanthemum 10 flowers; decoct in water and take; at the same time use Serissa decoction to fumigate and wash the affected area.
Commonly used selected formulas
1. To treat watery dysentery: Boil the stems and leaves of Baimagu in water and take. ("Bencao Shiyi")
2. To treat hepatitis: Serissa 2 liang and Lysimachia christinae 1 liang; decoct in water and take. ("Zhejiang Folk Commonly Used Herbal Medicines")
3. To treat bone-steaming consumptive heat and infantile malnutrition: Serissa 1-2 liang; decoct in water and take. ("Zhejiang Folk Commonly Used Herbal Medicines")
4. To treat red, swollen, painful eyes: Lubianjing stems and leaves 1-2 liang; decoct and take, then decoct the residue again for fumigation and washing. ("Experimental Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine")
5. To treat migraine: Fresh Baimagu 1-2 liang; decoct in water, add a little table salt, and take. ("Quanzhou Materia Medica")
6. To treat pharyngitis: Serissa 3-5 qian; decoct in water, 1 dose per day, taken in 2 divided doses. (Guangxi "Collection of Prescriptions for New Medical Methods with Chinese Herbal Medicines")
7. To treat toothache: Baimagu 1.5 liang; stew with dried cuttlefish and take. ("Quanzhou Materia Medica")
8. To treat oral thrush: A handful of Baimagu leaves; pound slightly, soak in rice washing water, take the juice and wash inside the mouth. ("Mindong Materia Medica")
9. To treat malignant sores, scrofula, eroding polyps, and vitiligo: Baimagu, Coptis chinensis, Asarum, Baidiao (also written as 'Baizhi'), Achyranthes bidentata, chicken mulberry bark, Vitex negundo, etc. Burn into powder, strain the liquid, break open the area with an object and apply. ("Bencao Shiyi")
Propagation methods of Serissa
Propagation is mainly by cuttings, and layering, division, and other methods can also be used.
UseCutting propagation. Cuttings from dormant branches are taken from February to March, and cuttings from semi-mature branches are taken from June to July. Cut 6-8 cm long cuttings and insert them into slightly acidic fine sandy loam, build a shade frame, pay attention to watering after insertion, and keep the seedbed moist; the cuttings root very easily. Several cuttings can also be inserted together; by October to November they can be potted and transplanted, and the young seedlings from combined cuttings can be separated into individual plants for transplanting. Softwood cuttings can also be taken in summer and early autumn. Generally, hardwood is used in early spring, but in the plum rain season hardwood and old wood can both be used, and shade frames are needed in all cases. After insertion, pay attention to watering and keep the seedbed moist; they root very easily. When making small or miniature bonsai, in order to promote shaping as quickly as possible, often in the plum rain season of June-July, take perennial branches with beautiful posture and a large-tree form, cut the lower cut end into a horseshoe shape, insert them into perlite or sand, cover with film to keep warm, pay attention to spraying water, and they can root in about 40 days; at this time transplant them, and with a little binding and pruning they can be shaped. Because this plant is easy to find in mountain and field areas, some flower growers often dig it directly from the woods and pot it.
You can also usethe scatter-cutting method: Use vacant green space, loosen the soil, break the clods into fine pieces, and level them. Evenly scatter 1-2 node branch sections (about 3 cm) trimmed off onto the previously prepared ground, tread firmly or press the surface soil tight with an object, and water thoroughly; afterward, spray water once every other day, and rooting begins after 10 days, with buds sprouting. After 25 days, apply the first dilute liquid fertilizer. At 50 days, apply 1:1000 urea once to promote seedling growth. After 2 months they can be transplanted and planted out. After 4 months they can be potted for cultivation, and at the same time initial insertion can be carried out. After 1 year, a relatively ideal tree-stump bonsai with exposed roots and gripping form can be formed. If used as a green hedge, it takes only half a year to take shape.
Division
It is often carried out in March in spring. Transplanting can be done in all four seasons, with February-March in spring being best.
Cultivation techniques for Serissa
Field cultivation management of Serissa is simple and extensive. In the south it can be planted in patches in gardens to form shrub thickets; viewed from afar in summer, it is as white as snow, giving a feeling of coolness and elegance. It is usually mostly used for shaped potted ornament or for making tree-stump bonsai. First shape the plant into a single-trunk form, then prune and wire the side branches according to the styling concept to make various bonsai, all of which can achieve ideal results. In summer it should be placed outdoors for maintenance; if placed indoors, it must be bright and ventilation must be increased, otherwise the branches will grow leggy, the leaf color will turn yellow, and the lower leaves will often drop in large numbers. Throughout the year, maintenance should keep the pot soil moderately dry and wet; during hot summer and dry periods, keep the pot soil moist and spray water on the leaf surface to keep the branches and leaves fresh. During the growing season, apply liquid fertilizer 3-4 times. In winter, if you do not continue viewing it, you can let it drop its leaves and then move it into a cellar or bury it entirely in soil to overwinter. If brought into a low-temperature greenhouse to overwinter, it can remain evergreen; the room temperature must not be lower than 6°C, and good ventilation and sufficient light should be maintained. Before taking it outdoors in early spring, potted plants should be short-pruned and pinched to keep the plant shape symmetrical and full, while bonsai need pruning and shaping for artistic processing.
It likes semi-shade and fears scorching sun; its sprouting ability is strong, it tolerates pruning quite well, is easy to plant, and requires extensive management. Artificial cultivation is done in fertile sandy loam. Move it into the greenhouse in mid-October, keep the room temperature at 10-15°C, and water thoroughly once a week; move it out of the greenhouse in late April and place it under a shade frame for maintenance. It does not need heavy fertilizer; applying dilute liquid fertilizer once a month and keeping the pot soil moist will allow it to grow well. If Serissa is kept above 5°C in winter, its branches and leaves remain lush and evergreen, but the soil must not be too dry and should be kept slightly moist. Because Serissa's sprouting ability is especially strong, many new shoots will sprout from the main trunk and roots; excess new shoots should be removed promptly to avoid consuming nutrients and disrupting the normal development of the tree shape. Branches that sprout after flowering and protrude beyond the crown should also be pruned, otherwise the ornamental effect will be affected.
Key cultivation points
(1) Watering
Move it indoors in mid-October and water thoroughly once a week. Move it outdoors to a sheltered place in late April and keep the pot soil moist.
(2) Fertilizing
After potting, apply dilute liquid fertilizer once every 1-2 weeks to promote robust branches and leaves and abundant flowering.
(3) Repotting
Serissa likes a warm climate and a shady, humid environment, and is not tolerant of severe cold. It is not strict about soil, but likes fertile sandy loam. For potted Serissa, after potting it should first be placed in semi-shade, and after it adapts it can be moved to open ground for maintenance. Repotting is generally done once every 2-3 years, in March. Repotting should be done on a sunny day when the pot soil is slightly dry. After repotting, place it temporarily in a cool, ventilated place, and resume normal management after one week.
(4) Pruning
Serissa has strong sprouting ability, tillering ability, and adaptability, and tolerates pruning and wiring.
Serissa should be pruned twice each year: the first time in mid-April to remove spring shoots, and the second time after flowering to remove the tips of flowering branches. Bud removal should be carried out frequently in normal times.
Sourcing and cultivation measures: artificial propagation: Cuttings or division are usually used for propagation. For cuttings, either hardwood or softwood cuttings can be used. Hardwood cuttings are taken from February to March, using dormant branches as cuttings; softwood cuttings are taken from June to July during the plum rain season, using semi-ripened branches as cuttings. The seedbed soil should be deep, fertile and moist. The cuttings should be 6-8 cm long and inserted to a depth of 1/2. After insertion, shade frames must be erected, attention paid to watering, and the soil kept moist. They root very easily and can be transplanted in the spring of the following year. Division propagation is carried out in March in spring. The plants sprouting from the roots are dug up together with their roots, separated with a sharp knife, and replanted with roots; they also root easily.
Collection from the wild: Serissa japonica (snow-in-June) grows abundantly in the mountains. Old stumps with thick, sturdy rhizomes can be selected. After digging them up, cultivate them in shaded, moist, fertile soil. Once the root system has resumed growth and the branches and leaves are lush, transplant them into pots.
Potting process
Pot selection: Serissa japonica is mostly grown in relatively shallow rectangular or oval pots. The material can be purple clay pottery or glazed pottery, and the color should preferably be darker.
Soil: Serissa japonica prefers loose, well-drained, slightly acidic loam rich in humus. For pot culture, leaf mold or pond mud that has been sun-dried and frost-crumbled can be used. Line the bottom of the pot with a layer of river sand and leaves to facilitate drainage.
Planting: Transplanting into pots for planting can be done in early spring or late autumn. During planting, some long roots can be trimmed off. If it is a wild old root stump, the roots can be raised appropriately to display an aged posture.
Shape-training techniques
Processing: Serissa japonica is generally shaped by a combination of pruning and wiring. The main branches only need to be wired appropriately, and the rest are shaped by pruning. Palm fiber is best for wiring, and care should be taken not to damage the branches and bark when bending them into shape. Old root stumps can also be given root-raising treatment to enhance the beauty of the tree form.
Tree forms: Common Serissa japonica bonsai forms include slanting trunk style, curved trunk style, cascade style, clump style and raised-root style. Serissa japonica is also suitable for use in landscape bonsai and water-and-land bonsai. Its branches and leaves spread horizontally and should be shaped into a bun shape, but not too regular; pay attention to variations in density. Side branches can droop appropriately, which is quite picturesque. Serissa japonica can also be made into root-on-rock bonsai, rooting in stone crevices, with suspended roots and exposed claws, tangled branches and gnarled joints, ancient and peculiar, full of natural wild charm.
Key maintenance points
In summer when temperatures are high and dry, in addition to daily watering, spray the leaf surfaces and nearby ground with clean water in the morning and evening to lower the temperature and increase air humidity. The plant should be placed under a shade frame, and must not be left in strong sunlight for long periods. After autumn begins, as temperatures drop, gradually reduce the amount of watering, watering once every 2 to 3 days. In winter, move it into a cold room or indoors where the temperature does not fall below 0°C to overwinter, watering once every 20 to 30 days; if the room temperature is above 15°C and it remains evergreen without dropping leaves, water once every 7 to 10 days, and maintain moist air and give it sunlight. During severe cold, it must not be allowed to freeze, otherwise it is prone to die. Before taking it out in March each year, repot it with leaf mold, and use hoof and horn pieces at the bottom of the pot as base fertilizer.
Transplanting can be done in all four seasons, but March to April in spring is best. It can also be grown in pots. The potting soil must be rich in humus, loose and breathable, and well drained. It can be prepared from 4 parts decomposed cow dung, 1 part decomposed cake fertilizer, 4 parts garden soil, and 1 part coal ash. After potting, first place it in a semi-shaded place, keep the potting soil moist, and tap water must be sun-exposed before use. It has a certain drought tolerance but is not tolerant of waterlogging. Watering should follow the principle of watering when dry and not watering when not dry. In the rainy season, prevent water accumulation in the pot; in rainy weather, the pot should be placed on its side. In hot, dry summer periods, spray water on the leaves in the morning and evening to cool them and increase air humidity, so as to promote growth and flowering. Every half month, water can also be applied with 1% edible vinegar water to avoid soil alkalization and plant yellowing. During the growing season, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once every 10-15 days, or fertilize with water by mixing dilute liquid fertilizer into each watering. In addition to soil fertilization, foliar topdressing should also be carried out regularly, spraying leaves with a 1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution to regulate pH and increase plant nutrition. In summer, the plant should avoid scorching sun exposure. A shade frame allowing half light can be built with small-hole nylon netting or plastic window screening to create a suitable microclimate for plant growth; this is especially important for variegated golden-edged Serissa japonica.
Serissa japonica can be trained by wiring into bonsai stumps with varied postures and great distinctive character. Select a Serissa japonica clump with thick stems and a certain form, dig it out in March or April, divide it into different arrangements of single trunk, double trunk or multiple trunks, cut off excess branches and stems, and bind the roots into a dragon-claw shape with bamboo strips or other easily rotted cords, then it can be potted and planted. In daily management, pay attention to an appropriate water supply. When young branches grow to 8-10 cm long, apply decomposed oil cake fertilizer to promote seedling growth. At the same time, keep only a few buds sprouting from the stems or roots and remove the rest; excess buds on the stems and branches should also be removed at any time. The tree blank can be processed and shaped about 3 months after potting, and palm fiber can be used for wiring. Pay attention to coordination between high and low, and staggered arrangement from front to back, carefully processing and shaping branch by branch. After wiring, in addition to normal watering, fertilizing, and pest and disease control, timely bud pinching, pruning and rewiring should also be done, and the wire can be removed the following year.
Pest and disease control of Serissa japonica: dodder disease
Dodder is a climbing herbaceous plant that parasitizes Serissa japonica, winding its vines around the trunk and branches. The entangled branches develop constrictions, and the vines form haustoria at the constrictions to absorb nutrients from the tree. The vines grow rapidly, constantly branching and twining around the host plant, and interweaving with each other to cover the entire crown. The main pest and disease of Serissa japonica is generally scale insects. It can be controlled by spraying 40% omethoate 1000x to 1500x solution or 25% phosmet 1000x to 1500x solution.
Garden control methods: For severely affected plots, deep plowing is done every year; seeds buried below 3 cm are unlikely to emerge. Check in a timely manner in late spring and early summer. When dodder is found, remove and destroy it together with weeds and the affected parts of the host, and clear away sprouting branches and wild plants that serve as bridges. Chemical control methods: At the peak of seed germination, spray the ground with 1.5% sodium pentachlorophenate and 2% prometryn solution, then spray once every 25 days, 3-4 times in total, to kill dodder seedlings.
There are relatively few pests and diseases. Occasionally aphids cause damage, which can be killed by spraying with 1500x omethoate solution.
The basic tasks in its management are watering and fertilizing. The principle of watering is not to water when not dry, and never water excessively. If the pot surface remains wet for a long time, root respiration becomes difficult and root rot leading to death easily occurs. Fertilizing should be frequent and light, using decomposed liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize in summer, and do not fertilize during the flowering period, so as to avoid excessive growth and loss of shape. From May to June, pinching of shoot tips should be carried out, and new buds in July should be removed.
Potted flowers should be kept in a fixed position and should not be moved around frequently; Serissa japonica is particular about phototropism. In summer, shade it from the scorching sun, maintain ventilation, and spray water on its leaves 1 to 2 times a day to maintain air humidity. In severe winter, it can be lightly wrapped with straw (at around -10°C) to prevent freezing to death.
Bonsai making of Serissa japonica: bonsai making
It likes semi-shade, fears water accumulation, fears scorching sun, and has strong resistance. For pot culture, soft mountain soil must be selected, and it should be placed in a sunny place and not kept indoors for long periods. During the growing season, fertilizer should be applied 1-2 times. The potting soil should preferably be on the drier side; too much or too concentrated fertilizer and water will cause excessive growth of branches and leaves. It has the characteristics of fine leaves, dense branches, thick trunk and exposed roots, so it is one of the excellent materials for bonsai. The branches and trunk of Serissa japonica are soft and tough and can withstand wiring. It is divided into straight trunk style, twisted style, cascade style, etc. If the pot body is tall, it can be grown into cascade style. Cascade style is further divided into semi-cascade, full cascade and small cascade according to the degree of inclination. So-called semi-cascade means the trunk basically extends horizontally out of the pot rim. In full cascade, the trunk must hang down 45 degrees below the pot rim. In small cascade, the trunk generally hangs down about 30 to 40 degrees. A natural style with slight trimming is also possible.
Propagation is mainly by cuttings, and layering, division and cuttings can also be used. Generally, hardwood is used in early spring, but in the plum rain season, tender branches or old branches can both be used. When making small or miniature bonsai, in order to promote rapid shaping, often in the plum rain season of June-July, select perennial branches with beautiful posture and a large-tree form, cut the lower cut into a horseshoe shape, insert them into vermiculite or sand, cover with film to keep warm, pay attention to spraying water, and they can root in about 40 days. At this time, transplant them, and with slight binding and pruning they can be shaped. Because this plant is easy to find in the mountains and wilds everywhere, some flower growers often dig it directly from the woods and bring it back for potting.
Serissa japonica has strong adaptability, and cultivation and maintenance are relatively simple. However, because it fears scorching sun exposure, during the growing period it should be placed in semi-shaded, moist places such as under tree shade; otherwise, too strong light will affect growth and be unfavorable for ornamental display. Although this plant prefers fertilizer, if too much fertilizer is applied, branches grow too vigorously and new branches are prone to excessive growth. Generally, apply decomposed cake fertilizer water only once before winter and once after flowering. It has a certain drought tolerance but is not tolerant of waterlogging. Watering should follow the principle of watering when dry and not watering when not dry. In the rainy season, prevent water accumulation in the pot; in rainy weather, the pot should be placed on its side. In hot, dry summer periods, spray water on the leaves in the morning and evening to cool them and increase air humidity, so as to promote growth and flowering.
Because Serissa japonica has particularly strong sprouting ability, many new branches sprout from the trunk and roots. Excess new shoots should be removed in a timely manner to avoid consuming nutrients and disrupting the normal development of the tree shape. Branches that sprout after flowering and protrude beyond the crown should also be pruned; otherwise, the ornamental effect will be affected.
If Serissa japonica is kept above 5°C in winter, its branches and leaves remain lush and evergreen, but the soil must not become too dry; keep it slightly moist.
[Bonsai making methods]:
Sources of stump material: Carry out division propagation in March in spring, and cutting propagation (branch cuttings or root cuttings) from April to October. If protected propagation (seedbed) is used, cuttings can be taken from November to January of the following year. In the southeastern and central provinces and regions of China, wild tree stumps can also be dug from the wild for cultivation and processing.
Processing and shaping: The "grow wood and truncate trunk method" can be used for processing, and the "pruning combined with wiring method" can also be used for shaping. Wiring is often carried out from after half-leaf fall in winter to before bud break in spring. The trunk and main branches are wired with metal wire, and the small branches are shaped by fine pruning.
Transplanting and potting: It is suitable to transplant and pot in February-March, and it can also be done in the plum rain season and late autumn. Choose relatively shallow round, square or oval purple clay pots or glazed pots. The pot color should preferably be slightly darker to contrast with the flower color. The potting soil should be sandy loam rich in organic matter, loose and fertile, and with good drainage and air permeability. It can be prepared by mixing humus soil, pine needle soil and peat with 40% sand or rice husk ash.
Water and fertilizer management: During the growing season, water frequently to keep the potting soil moist. It should not be too dry or too wet for long periods, and water accumulation in the pot or loss of moisture from the potting soil must be avoided. In summer, spray water on the leaves 1-2 times a day. In winter, appropriately reduce the frequency of watering; keeping the potting soil moist and slightly on the dry side is sufficient. From April to May each year, apply 2-3 times a 0.5% phosphorus-potassium fertilizer solution; in the twelfth lunar month, apply 1-2 times a dilute organic fertilizer solution. Fertilizing in other seasons is not suitable. Avoid applying concentrated fertilizer.
Light and temperature requirements: During the growing period, it is best maintained in a place with abundant sunlight, warmth and humidity, and good ventilation. In summer and early autumn, shade 50%-70%, and avoid scorching sun. In winter, it can overwinter outdoors in the south, while in the north it should be moved indoors, preferably keeping the room temperature at 5-12°C.
Repotting and pruning: Repot once every 1-2 years, in February-March in spring or during late autumn, remove all old soil, and appropriately prune the roots. Root raising can be done in conjunction with repotting to form suspended roots and increase ornamental value. From after half-leaf fall each winter to before bud break the following spring, carry out one shaping and pruning: shorten long branches and leggy branches, thin out overly dense fine weak branches, and cut off diseased and pest-damaged branches as well as other messy branches that affect the ornamental effect. During the growing period, carry out pinching, bud removal, and branch removal in a timely manner to maintain a beautiful shape. The healthy branches cut off can be used for cutting propagation.
Pest and disease control: Serissa japonica bonsai has relatively few pests and diseases, with occasional occurrences of aphids and snails. Aphids can be killed by spraying with essential balm diluted 500-600x; snails can be killed by spraying with 58% Fenglei Ji emulsifiable concentrate 1500x. Root rot sometimes occurs. At the initial stage, use 12% copper abietate emulsifiable concentrate 600-1000x, or 50% Genfuling 800x, for root drenching and foliar spraying. Spray (drench) once every 3-5 days, for 3-4 consecutive applications.
Cultural background of Serissa japonica: related legends
Before her death, Dou E once said that she was wronged and that the heavens in June would testify for her and it would snow. Sure enough, when she died, heavy snow drifted down from the June sky. Later, people used "snow in June" to describe "the injustice of Dou E." However, as history progressed, snow-in-June was mostly used by lovesick men and women or literati to describe a snow-like mood, both cold and drifting with romantic catkins.
Peking opera
"The Golden Lock Tale," also known as "Snow in June," premiered on April 13, 1924 at the Sanqing Garden. Cheng Yanqiu played Dou E, Wang Youquan played Cai Changzong, Guo Zhongheng played Hai Rui, Wen Liangchen played Cai's mother, Cao Ergeng played Zhang Luer, Ci Ruiquan played the prison matron, Ci Shaoquan played the Shanyang County magistrate, and Li Siguang played Zhang's mother. Records were released. This was the first new play compiled by Cheng Yanqiu after rearranging an old play, adding to its beginning and end. The source of the story of this play, as everyone knows, comes from the zaju "The Injustice of Dou E That Moves Heaven and Earth" by Guan Hanqing of the Yuan Dynasty, and the chuanqi "The Golden Lock Tale" by Ye Xianzu of the Ming Dynasty. The national opera script has only the two scenes "Prison Visit" and "Execution Ground," originally an old qingyi play. Performing only "Prison Visit" could be staged in the middle of the program; if it included "Execution Ground," it was substantial enough for the grand finale. Mei Lanfang and Shang Xiaoyun both often sang "Snow in June" with the execution ground scene in their early years. After Cheng Yanqiu adapted "Snow in June" into "The Golden Lock Tale," Mei and Shang avoided it, and "Snow in June" became a Cheng-school play.
Cheng's version of "The Golden Lock Tale" begins with Cai Changzong (Dou E's husband) going to the capital to take the imperial examination, with the son of the family's hired woman, Zhang Luer, following him. Halfway there, he pushes Changzong into the Huai River, returns home and falsely says that Changzong drowned (in fact, Changzong was rescued and did not die, which Zhang Luer did not know). Cai's mother is grief-stricken and falls ill. She wants to eat tripe soup, and Zhang Luer secretly puts poison in the soup to murder Cai's mother, but unexpectedly his own mother, Zhang, eats it and dies immediately. Luer takes the opportunity to extort and tries to forcibly take Dou E. The case is reported to the authorities, and the county magistrate fails to examine Luer's false accusation and applies torture to Cai's mother to extract a confession. Dou E cannot bear to see her mother-in-law suffer, so she steps forward and falsely confesses, and is sentenced to decapitation. At the execution, which was in June, snow suddenly falls from the sky. Hai Rui, traveling as imperial inspector, arrives and, knowing there is a wrongful case, orders the execution stopped. After retrial, the facts become clear, and Zhang Luer is executed by slow slicing. At this time, Cai Changzong returns after placing first in the imperial examination, and the family is reunited. This play premiered on April 13, the 13th year of the Republic of China, as the matinee performance of the Hesheng Society at the Sanqing Garden.
"The Golden Lock Tale" is one of the successful works among Cheng Yanqiu's new plays, popular in both north and south. For dan actors, whether singing "Snow in June" or the full "Golden Lock Tale," none did not take Cheng's performance method as the model. Because Cai Changzong used a golden lock as the betrothal gift to marry Dou E, the play is titled "The Golden Lock Tale." When the female actor Du Liyun performed it, she billed the full "Tripe Soup," seeking to be unconventional, but it was not as elegant and refined as the original title. Cheng's own strengths in this play will be described in detail later when discussing his theatrical art. The fact that this play of his was often performed to full houses and made people never tire of hearing it repeatedly was also closely related to its strong cast. In addition to him playing Dou E, successive xiaosheng actors Wang Youquan, Jiang Miaoxiang, Yu Zhenfei and others all played Cai Changzong. Wen Liangchen played Cai's mother, and Hai Rui was played first by Guo Zhongheng and later by Ha Baoshan. The most well-matched were the roles played by four clown actors: Li Siguang as Mother Zhang, Cao Ergeng as Zhang Luer, Ci Ruiquan as the prison matron, and Ci Shaoquan as the Shanyang County magistrate. All four were first-rate selected figures; no other troupe had such a strong and complete lineup. Because a play requires collective performance, only when everyone is good is the whole performance good. Cheng Yanqiu deeply understood this principle, so he gathered these four famous clown actors as his long-term troupe foundation.
Serissa japonica pictures
How to make Serissa japonica bonsai? Serissa japonica bonsai pictures
How to make Serissa japonica bonsai?
Serissa japonica grows in clumps with short trunks, fine branches and green leaves, and in summer it blooms with small white flowers all over. Its short trunk and twisted branches, with sparse branches and leaves, are easy to wire into shape, creating images of tangled roots and gnarled joints full of aged charm. Old tree stumps dug from the wild are planted and cultivated after branch and root trimming. Through branch and trunk shaping, they are grown into straight trunk style, horizontal trunk style, twisted style and other shapes. Later, through repotting and root raising, they can be shaped into vigorous old-tree forms.
Making and maintenance of Serissa japonica bonsai
Serissa japonica is one of the trees commonly used in Chinese bonsai. It has the characteristics of fine leaves, dense branches, thick trunk and exposed roots, so it is an excellent material for bonsai and is loved by many gardening enthusiasts. Today we have prepared some Serissa japonica bonsai pictures for everyone; welcome to comment and appreciate. Commonly cultivated types include golden-edged Serissa japonica (leaf margins golden yellow), variegated-leaf Serissa japonica and double-petaled Serissa japonica.
Serissa japonica bonsai pictures and making methods
[Plant profile]
Botanical knowledge
Belongs to Rubiaceae, genus Serissa. Evergreen small shrub, with many dense branches. Leaves small, opposite, slightly leathery, ovate or long elliptic, entire, dark green on the surface. In summer from June to July, small white flowers are borne in leaf axils or at the tips, white with a red flush or pale pink-purple, solitary or in many-flowered clusters, with funnel-shaped corollas. When in full bloom, they look like snowflakes scattered about, hence the name "snow in June."
Main varieties
１．Double-petaled Serissa japonica,flowers are double-petaled.
２．Double-layered Serissa japonica,flowers are double-layered petals.
３．Variegated-leaf Serissa japonica,also called spotted-leaf Serissa japonica. The leaf surface has white markings.
４．Golden-edged Serissa japonica,leaves have yellow margins.
There are two common types on the market: one is the clump type, with slightly reddish flowers in trumpet shape, which is a coarse grade; the other is single-trunk small-tree form, with pure white double-petaled flowers, which is a superior grade.
Related species
White horse bone (Serissa serissoides),very similar to Serissa japonica, but this species has a corolla twice as long as the sepals, while Serissa japonica has a corolla nearly equal in length to the sepals, so they can be distinguished. It is also often used in bonsai.
Yinmu (Serissa japonica 'Yinmu'),smaller than the original species, with thicker leaves, small branches growing upright, leaves relatively small and densely clustered at the ends of small branches, and flowers relatively sparse.
Serissa japonica is produced in Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Taiwan, China and other provinces, and is a common tree species under subtropical forests. It is also distributed in Japan.
It likes shade and tolerates moisture, and fears strong light, so wild plants mostly grow under forests, beside ditches or in thickets. It likes a warm climate and is not tolerant of severe cold. It is suitable for growing in loose, well-drained loam, and can adapt to both neutral and slightly acidic soil. It has very strong sprouting ability and tolerates pruning.
It is an evergreen shrub plant that blooms with star-shaped white flowers every summer, like snow accumulated on the tree. Some leaves are green, small and smooth on the surface. Flowers can be single-petaled or double-petaled. In modern cultivation, purple-flowered varieties and variegated-leaf cultivars have been developed.
Types of Serissa japonica bonsai shapes
The branches and trunk of Serissa japonica are soft and tough and can withstand wiring. It is divided into straight trunk style, twisted style, cascade style, etc. If the pot body is tall, it can be grown into cascade style. Cascade style is further divided into semi-cascade, full cascade and small cascade according to the degree of inclination. So-called semi-cascade means the trunk basically extends horizontally out of the pot rim. In full cascade, the trunk must hang down 45 degrees below the pot rim. In small cascade, the trunk generally hangs down about 30-40 degrees.
Making methods for Serissa japonica bonsai
▲ Sources of stump material: Carry out division propagation in March, and cutting propagation from April to October.
▲ Processing and shaping: The "grow wood and truncate trunk method" can be used for processing, and the "pruning combined with wiring method" can also be used for processing. Wiring is often carried out from half-leaf fall in winter to before bud break in spring. The trunk and main branches of Serissa japonica are wired with metal wire, and the small branches are shaped by fine pruning.
▲ Transplanting and potting: It is suitable to carry out in February-March. Choose relatively shallow purple clay pots or glazed pots, and the pot color should preferably be slightly darker to contrast with the flower color. The potting soil should be sandy loam rich in organic matter, loose and fertile, and with good drainage and air permeability.
▲ Light and temperature requirements: During the growing period, Serissa japonica is best placed in a place with abundant sunlight, warmth and humidity, and good ventilation. In summer and early autumn, shade 50%-70%. In winter in the north, keep the room temperature at 5-12°C.
▲ Water and fertilizer management: During the growing season of Serissa japonica bonsai, water frequently; it should not be too dry or too wet for long periods. In summer, spray water on the leaves 1-2 times a day. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering; keeping the potting soil moist and slightly on the dry side is sufficient. From April to May each year, apply 2-3 times a 0.5% phosphorus-potassium fertilizer solution; in the twelfth lunar month, apply 1-2 times a dilute organic fertilizer solution. Fertilizing in other seasons is not suitable. Avoid applying concentrated fertilizer.
▲ Repotting and pruning: Repot once every 1-2 years, in February-March in spring or during late autumn, remove all old soil, and appropriately prune the roots. Root raising can be done in conjunction with repotting to form suspended roots and increase ornamental value. From after half-leaf fall each winter to before bud break the following spring, carry out shaping and pruning: shorten long branches and leggy branches, thin out overly dense fine weak branches, and cut off diseased and pest-damaged branches as well as other messy branches that affect the ornamental effect. During the growing period, carry out pinching, bud removal, and branch removal in a timely manner to maintain a beautiful shape.
▲ Pest and disease control: Serissa japonica bonsai occasionally has aphids and snails. Aphids can be killed by spraying with essential balm diluted 500-600x; snails can be killed by spraying with 58% Fenglei Ji emulsifiable concentrate 1500x. Root rot sometimes occurs. At the initial stage, use 12% copper abietate emulsifiable concentrate 600-1000x, or 50% Genfuling 800x, for root drenching and foliar spraying. Spray (drench) once every 3-5 days, for 3-4 consecutive applications.
Cultivation methods for Serissa japonica
Serissa japonica is a rather cute plant, with lovely white flowers when blooming, and it is very suitable for decorating the home. Below let us learn about the cultivation methods of Serissa japonica:
Basic information on Serissa japonica:
Serissa japonica (scientific name: Serissa japonica), also called white horse bone, baby's breath, fine-leaved wintergreen, jasmine, and ximing, is an evergreen small shrub that generally blooms in June. From a distance it looks like it is wrapped in silver, just like snow drifting in June, elegant and lovely.
It likes sunlight and is also relatively shade-tolerant. It fears strong wind and scorching sun, and in hot summer periods it should have light shade. In June it opens fine white flowers. The tree is very small with sparse branches and leaves, full of quiet elegance, and can be made into potted specimens. It likes light shade and fears the sun. It is often found under leafy trees in deep mountains. In spring it can be divided and planted, or cuttings can be taken during the yellow plum rain season. It is suitable to water with light tea. It has no strict requirements for temperature. In South China it is evergreen, and in Southwest China it is semi-evergreen. It has strong drought tolerance and no strict requirements for soil. For pot culture, it is best to use moist culture soil that contains humus, is loose and fertile, has strong permeability, and is slightly acidic; it will grow well.
Cultivation methods for Serissa japonica:
1. Soil:It has strong drought tolerance and no strict requirements for soil. For pot culture, it is best to use moist culture soil that contains humus, is loose and fertile, has strong permeability, and is slightly acidic; it will grow well.
2. Watering:Do not water too frequently or too much. Keep the potting soil moist and water again when it is dry. In the rainy season, do not allow water to accumulate in the pot, so as to avoid root rot. In hot, dry summer weather, spray water on the leaves in the morning and evening to cool them and increase air humidity, so as to promote growth.
3. Sunlight:The cultivation and maintenance of Serissa japonica are relatively simple. Because it fears scorching sun exposure, during the growing period it should be placed in semi-shaded tree shade or under a shade frame. It should not be kept in places with too strong light, otherwise the growth of branches and leaves will be affected.
4. Temperature:Before winter, move it indoors in a timely manner to keep it warm, and keep the room temperature above 5°C. At the same time, reduce watering and keep the potting soil half-dry; in this way, the plant can achieve a lush, green and smooth effect.
5. Fertilizing:Serissa japonica relatively likes fertilizer, but if too much fertilizer is applied it will cause excessive growth of branches and leaves and affect the beauty of the tree shape. It is enough to apply decomposed cake fertilizer water once before winter and once after flowering.
6. Pruning:Serissa japonica has very strong sprouting ability. When branches and leaves are too dense, prune away excess new branches in a timely manner, so as not to affect the beauty of the tree shape and consume nutrients. After flowering, messy branches protruding beyond the crown must also be pruned so that they do not affect the ornamental effect.
Propagation methods for Serissa japonica:
Cutting and division methods are often used for propagation, and layering can also be used. The cutting method can be carried out throughout the year, with hardwood cuttings in February-March in spring and softwood cuttings in the plum rain season having the highest survival rates. Cuttings taken in the plum rain season should be shaded, and cuttings in winter need protection from the cold. Division is best carried out in early spring before budding, or in late autumn when growth has stopped. Dormant branch cuttings are taken from February to March, and semi-mature branch cuttings are taken from June to July.
Efficacy and effects of Serissa japonica:
Serissa japonica, also known as baby's breath and daily bloom, is a medicinal flowering plant of the Rubiaceae family. Its nature and flavor are bitter and cool. It has the functions of dispelling wind and promoting diuresis, relaxing muscles and activating collaterals, clearing heat and detoxifying, and regulating the spleen and qi. It has certain therapeutic effects on rheumatism pain, migraine, toothache, sore throat, stomatitis, neurodermatitis, damp-heat jaundice, herpes zoster, leukorrhea and turbid urine, and other conditions.
When Serissa japonica blooms, it is all white and appears rather elegant and lovely. It has a relatively good effect when used in home decoration, appearing fresh and natural. The cultivation methods of Serissa japonica are introduced here; we hope they are helpful to everyone.
Serissa japonica bonsai is not only elegant and beautiful in shape, but the leaves of golden-edged Serissa japonica also show yellow edges, like a ring of golden edging, setting off each other with the white Serissa japonica flowers that bloom in summer, very beautiful.
Serissa japonica is also called baby's breath, fine-leaved wintergreen, white horse bone, jasmine, and ximing.
It is a low-growing plant with a beautiful tree shape. In hot summer it blooms all over with small white flowers, white as snow, hence the name. Using it to beautify the home not only gives people aesthetic enjoyment, but also makes the air suddenly feel cool, giving a feeling of forgetting the summer heat in June.
I. Advantages:
1 Beautiful tree shape, low plant, elegant branches and dense nodes, small leaves;
2 Elegant and unrestrained, with varied postures and unique charm;
3 Well-developed root system, suspended roots and exposed claws, often giving a sense of vigor and age;
4 Cracked bark with beautiful texture;
5 Can be propagated by cuttings in all four seasons, good for propagation;
6 Strong sprouting ability, rapid growth, tolerates pruning;
7 Wide range of uses; can make many different forms of bonsai. Especially suitable for clump, landscape, cascade, root-clinging (rock-attached) and other combinations.
II. Habits:
1 Likes loose, fertile, breathable, slightly acidic soil;
2 Likes semi-shade and semi-sun, well-ventilated high-temperature and high-humidity environments;
3 Likes moisture but cannot tolerate water accumulation, fears dryness, fears scorching sun exposure;
4 Not tolerant of low temperatures; protection is needed below 5 degrees;
3. Production key points: collect stakes in the south, propagate by cuttings in the north.
1 Collecting stakes: conventional method.
2 Cuttings: conventional method, can be done in all four seasons. Generally takes shape in three years and becomes a landscape in five years.
3 Pruning: conventional method. Serissa (June snow) has strong sprouting ability, grows rapidly, and tolerates pruning; except in winter, it can be done frequently as needed.
4 Wiring and bending: Serissa branches are soft, which is favorable for wiring. In the early stage, pull and wire the framework well, set the main trunk and main branches, and let them grow out to thicken.
5 Raising roots: roots are a major feature of Serissa and must be treated carefully; tidying, pruning, and raising roots are carried out once a year.
6 Placing stones: Serissa has a well-developed root system with exposed hanging roots and claws; during the maintenance stage, arranging roots and placing stones is very important. The design plan and stone selection must be done cautiously, because once the landscape is formed, it is difficult to modify.
7 Pot selection: because Serissa plants are low and compact, with tender green covering the branches and white flowers all over the tree, dark-colored shallow pots are mostly used.
8 Combined planting: binding Serissa together for combined planting can quickly form a style like southern banyan trees or large potted trees in Japan and Taiwan, China.
4. Maintenance key points:
1 During the stake-growing period, manage with heavy fertilizer and heavy water; during the shaping period, control according to the situation;
2 Create a maintenance environment according to the habitual form;
3 Never let it lack water; Serissa is very sensitive to this. In mild cases, branches die; in severe cases, the whole stake dies.
4 Preventing freezing in winter is the key to growing Serissa well, and it must not be taken lightly.
The flower language of Serissa is:
Willing to be a supporting role in love, endless love, care, bringing good luck, a pure heart.