Detailed Guide to Growing and Caring for Serissa japonica

The Story of Dou E Yuan is a household tale, and it mentions Serissa japonica. In real life, there really is such a plant, pure white as snow and extraordinarily beautiful, and keeping it indoors is a delight to the eye. Today, the editor will mainly introduce how to grow Serissa japonica and the points to note!

1. Transplanting and Potting

Generally speaking, February to March is the best time for transplanting, though the plum rain season and late autumn are also good seasons. When transplanting, it is best to choose a purple clay pot or a glazed pot, and the pot color should be dark so as to form a striking contrast with the flower color. The potting soil should be sandy soil, preferably loose, rich in organic matter, and with good drainage and aeration. In addition, for fertilizer selection, pine needle soil, leaf mold, and peat can be mixed together, with about 10% rice husk ash added for best results.

2. Water and Fertilizer Management

The water and fertilizer management for Serissa japonica should be appropriate; it must not be too dry or too wet, and the moisture in the potting soil should be kept at a moderate level. In winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced, while in summer, water is generally sprayed on the leaves, 1-2 times is fine. In addition, April to May every year is the best period for fertilizing, and it can be watered with a 0.5% phosphorus-potassium fertilizer solution. In winter, an additional top dressing can be applied, and diluted organic fertilizer can be watered on, but other than that, no fertilizer should be applied. Concentrated fertilizer is a major taboo.

3. Light and Temperature Requirements

Serissa japonica likes sunlight, warmth, moisture, and ventilation. Therefore, during the growing season, it should be cared for under these conditions. In summer, it should be properly shaded, and it must never be placed in direct sunlight. In winter, it should be moved indoors and kept at a certain temperature, for example 5 to 12°C is fine.

4. Repotting and Pruning

Repotting every other year can make the soil looser and more suitable for the plant's growth. At the same time, removing the old soil and properly pruning the roots can also enhance its ornamental value. In winter, shaping and pruning should be carried out, pruning long and short branches and thinning or thickening branches as needed, which can not only remove messy branches and leaves and improve the ornamental beauty, but also cut off branches and leaves affected by pests and diseases. At the same time, through pinching, bud removal, and removal of side branches, a certain shape can be maintained, elegant and graceful.

5. Pest and Disease Control

Serissa japonica generally has few pests and diseases, though occasionally there may be aphids. At this time, it can be sprayed with essential balm to kill the aphids, but the concentration must not be too high; diluting 500 to 600 times is more appropriate. In addition, root rot sometimes occurs. At this time, use 800 times dilution of root rot remedy or 600-1000 times dilution of 12% copper abietate emulsifiable concentrate to irrigate it, spraying once every few days, three times in succession is enough.

Through the above introduction, I believe everyone has a general understanding of how to grow Serissa japonica. In fact, Serissa japonica is very easy to grow. Placing a pot of Serissa japonica indoors can both purify the air and add to the beauty of the room, so why not do it?