We received over 800 respondents to this survey which ran between June and July, 2000. Of these people, the plant most frequently nominated as requiring the most maintenance was the SERRISA, although it was certainly not a decisive winner. Some people even sent us emails in defense of the Serrisa - having had theirs for years without any problems. Overall, results to this survey have indicated that whilst it is possible to keep a Serrisa, the environment that it is kept in is a major factor. They are tropical plants, and therefore don't respond well to excessive cold or frost. They also do not like being moved - so make sure you find a permanent position for them. A care guide can be found here. In all, Serrisa can be kept as bonsai, so don't be disheartened, although they are not recommended for beginners due to their very temperamental nature. If you have bought or been given a Serissa and haven't had much experience, try and find as much information as you can.

Another well-known plant that surfaced in this survey was the FICUS. Although it is not a necessarily troublesome plant, they do tend to need frequent pruning, making it another high-maintenance plant.

Opinions :

Andrew McPhearson from Edinburgh, Scotland, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 10 years.

SERISSA. These plants have got to be the most temperamental plants for bonsai. Temperature, watering and environmental conditions must be perfect or it is likely to die on you very quickly, without warning. This is particularly bad for beginners, as they are tropical and sold in malls, but people do not tell them how hard they are to maintain.

Andy McKay from zone 7, US, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 5 years.

BOUGAINVILLEA. Although these are classified as tropical bonsai, they are very hard to care for if you need to constantly move them -- they don't like that.

Ben Anthony from New Zealand, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 10 years.

JAPANESE MAPLE. Although most people regard these trees as great for beginners, I generally try to stay away from them because they are such high maintenance. If you dare to wire them and leave them for a few weeks it is likely that the wire will cut into the bark and leave an ugly scar that will take years to heal - if at all. In the growing season they require constant pruning for refinement. These bad aspects are only counterbalanced by their beautiful autumn foliage. I don't like them however, as they do not suit my hectic lifestyle where I am out of the country most of the time and only have neighbours to look after my bonsai.

Randy Cowie from zone 9, Houston, US, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 15 years.

SERISSA. I live in southern Texas - a very humid, not to mention, hot climate and you would think that a tropical would thrive here, however I have found my 20 year old serissa to be the most tempermental tree in my collection. The serissa to me has been one of my biggest challenges. Its tendency to drop its leaves or in some cases lose a branch (ouch!) have been a major source of frustration. It doesn't like water from the tap, so I have to harvest rain water. It likes the sun, but not too much, and sometimes it goes badly because the temperature is not right... and so the list goes on. Although my problem child is, as I estimated, over 20 yrs. old; when it looks good, it LOOKS REAL GOOD. I've had this plant for about 7 yrs. This one is definitely not for the beginner.

R. Simperial from Pasig City, Philippines, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 10 years.

FICUS. Very fast growing; needs constant trimming of roots and branches when being formed.

Jeff Woods from zone 7, Knoxville, US, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 5 years.

WISTERIA. To have a wisteria "tree" you must constantly prune the new growth or it will revert into a vine once more.

Laura from Brisbane, Australia, says :

Beginner at bonsai.

SERISSA SNOWLEAVES 'PINK'. It is VERY scrawny, and being a beginner it is difficult to prune... The flowers are very delicate and break off TOO easily... It also STINKS if you prune it or root prune it. I really would have wanted a Japanese Maple or an Azalea of some sort - they're nice plants... Anyone want to buy a smelly bonsai?

Clay Gratz from zone9, Crystal River, Florida, US, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 20 years.

HACKBERRY. You'll probably have as many different responses as there are climates. Here in Central Florida, I have several serissa bonsai and 50+ cuttings and they grow like weeds. Buttonwood and Ilex require constant pinching, but Hackberry can grow completely wacky in a matter of a couple of weeks.

Gerard Kroes from South Africa, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 15 years.

WEEPING WILLOW. The tree needs a lot of water and food, therefore it grows very fast. It needs a lot of care with regard to insects and fungus related diseases. As it is a fast grower, branches must be styled more often and pruning of roots must be done every 1-2 years. The results are rewarding though.

E. Rumsey from zone 5, Danielson, US, says :

Beginner at Bonsai.

SALIX. My salix is one of the only trees that I have had trouble with. For starters, it decided that right after I potted it, it was going to do a total leaf drop. After doing some reading, and finding out that Salix like water, I placed mine in a tray of water. Sure the buds swelled, but no leaves. Well now it's out of the water tray and the new leaves are coming, I think there are like 5 or so leaves on the tree.

Liisa from Brisbane, Australia, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 2 years.

SERISSA. Having practised bonsai for a fair amount of time I have had far too many bad experiences with bonsai plants. Looking back... I notice that most of my problems occured with the gracious but occasionally smelly serrisa. As I first started bonsai, I received one of these plants from a relative, within the first two months it lay there like a shrivled little twig, I didn't have a clue how to prune it properly and it seemed too delicate to touch... I now own several serrisas and I find that they are amusing and entertaining plants, occasional hiccups still occur, but not too often. A word of wisdom for beginners: STAY CLEAR OF THE SERRISA! You can thank me later...

"Chippy" from Madeira Island, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 40 years.

FICUS (and praise of SERISSA). In my experience these plants are very rapid growers... this could cause a problem to someone with little time for constant pruning and care taking. This is not one for beginners or those with very little time on their hands...
On a happier note, I noticed that many people condemmed the ever beautiful SERISSA, my almost 100 year old SERISSA has never been a problem for me... after purchasing it through a retiring bonsai fanatic it has only been a pure joy to look after, and as for the scent, well, all I can say is that you soon get used to it. You should keep it in a very open room if the scent bothers you too much, this plant doesn't like afternoon rays so be very careful about your Serissas' position, a young one of mine withered up after spending a bit too much time sun bathing. Shame. As for beginners with serissas... I'd say go ahead, it will give you a taste of real bonsai care taking, learn from your mistakes... This saying however doesn't quite work for everybody, Japanese maples and Serissas are my favourites. Enjoy your plants and thank you for this lovely web site... It is a real gem for bonsai fanatics young and old, beginner or retiree... peace be with you all.

Bern Webb from Cleveland Heights, US, says :

Beginner at bonsai.

FUKIEN TEA. I have been in a constant battle with aphids! I do have to check the tree almost daily but it is paying off being so diligent. The tree has even flowered for me and the leaves are very full now.

Pete from zone 4, Buffalo City Wisconsin, US, says :

Practicing bonsai for over 10 years.

FICUS. Ficus' grow like weeds and need constant pruning to keep them in shape. I have a few of them continue to prune 2 and leaving 1 of them grow without any pruning, it is about 3 1/2 feet tall already.

 

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