Sarissa not looking so good.

Culper Woodhull

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I bought a Serissa a month ago. Every since I recieved it, I've seen it slowly but surley deteriorate in health. I've been letting it dry out between waterings, I have it about 2 feet from a south facing window. Temperature has been back amd forth. Lowest 70 degrees, highest 78, it's that time of year again, having to constantly turn on and of the heat. I really don't want the Sarissa to die on me. I have no sort of humidity. Does it need humidity? Even the green leaves you see are almost bone dry. Any tips for successfuly caring for this tree would be much appreciated. I have a fukian and jade doing great right next to it. I know the species are different, but the fukian and jade afr. Do great on to same wayering schedule. Sarissa seems different. Than1508345487846499020543.jpg 15083455048641183075264.jpg 1508345487846499020543.jpg 15083455048641183075264.jpg ks all.
 

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GrimLore

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Does it need humidity?

No, they do just fine in drier climates but it looks like you need to water it more frequently. If it drains good water it daily until it runs out the base. Don't move it to another location as this can also be a shock response weeks later to a new home. Either way water if draining will help. Also do not fertilize it until you see new tiny buds break in a few weeks and then just lightly.
I have one I chopped down HARD and I don't expect any growth for a couple of months so don't get impatient :)

Grimmy
 

Culper Woodhull

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Ah, the other week I fertilized it hoping it would help it bounce back. I forgot it has adverse effects. I'll get a more strict water regement.
 

Brian Van Fleet

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I've been letting it dry out between waterings,
Don’t do that. Set it in the kitchen sink when your wife isn’t looking and use the sprayer attachment on your faucet to get it wet, let the water pool and percolate, then give it another pass, and then a few more until water is rushing out the holes in the bottom of the pot. It does have holes in the bottom of the pot right? Do that every 2-3 days, or however frequently you need to, but don’t wait until it dries out.
 

Culper Woodhull

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Don’t do that. Set it in the kitchen sink when your wife isn’t looking and use the sprayer attachment on your faucet to get it wet, let the water pool and percolate, then give it another pass, and then a few more until water is rushing out the holes in the bottom of the pot. It does have holes in the bottom of the pot right? Do that every 2-3 days, or however frequently you need to, but don’t wait until it dries out.
Yes, it does have Holes. Maybe it's just my bad luck, but it has been overcast. I haven' watered it in a week or so amd the soul is still damp from lack of sunlight. The room temp is about 74 degrees f. Unfortunately it is still in bad shape, and fear I will lose it. I hope it bounces back. I've for a grow light on it now. Do these trees need humidity? If I purchased a humidifier, would this help? If so, how far away should the humidifier be from the tree and how long should I keep it turned on for. Updated photo attached. Don't be fooled by the green leaves, even those are brittle and breal apart when touched. Thanks.15099950989249458504.jpg 15099950989249458504.jpg
 

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GrimLore

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If I purchased a humidifier, would this help?

No, I keep them in the least humid parts of the plant room and not in strong sun but under a T8 full spectrum light. If I move them to higher humidity they drop leaf. In the Summer they go out into a couple hours each of east/west sun.
Don't be surprised if yours drops all leaf and buds back over the next several weeks, jus don't let it dry out. They are known to be the most often plant tossed away when they are still alive so you know. They test your patience :rolleyes:

Grimmy
 

Culper Woodhull

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No, I keep them in the least humid parts of the plant room and not in strong sun but under a T8 full spectrum light. If I move them to higher humidity they drop leaf. In the Summer they go out into a couple hours each of east/west sun.
Don't be surprised if yours drops all leaf and buds back over the next several weeks, jus don't let it dry out. They are known to be the most often plant tossed away when they are still alive so you know. They test your patience :rolleyes:

Grimmy
Thanks for the feedback. I'll try to remain optimistic. I have it in a South facing window. Might it be too intense?
 

GrimLore

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Might it be too intense?

Nah, the days are shorter and will continue to be. If it were me I would try to keep it about 12 - 18 inches away from the window. Closer to the window you would most likely be surprised how much cooler it gets at night.

Grimmy
 

Culper Woodhull

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How is your Serissa doing? Any updates?
Sorry, late reply. The Serissa died. I'll never order a bonsai during the fall, or the early spring for that matter, again. I only have a twelve or thirteen-year-old Fukien Tea still alive and doing well.
 
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