h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hey George, how's it going?

I just thought I'd let you know that as part of turning my newly bought home into a sub-tropical jungle (that means I've bought lots of pot-plants ) I've dipped my toe into the bonsai tree thing again.

I bought a Serissa Seroides - a lovely thing - its quite well established already (maybe 6 inches tall - a 1cm thick trunk) but I'm worried as I looked the thing up on the net and saw a load of complaints from people who had similarly bought one and then watched it die. Lots of replies have said - this tree is very difficult to look after and needs lots of tlc. Mine seems to be fine, has lasted the week since I bought it fine annd has even produced a few little flowers. I'm a bit worried about it though as I've said and hopefully can avoid this dying thing. Do you know this type of tree and have you any advice. Its got pride of place in the centre of my living room and has plenty of light. I feel concerned about the amount of water I'm supposed to give it though. The tiny leaflet of instructions I got says to water it everyday and mist the leaves every day plus feed it bonsai food once a week - in addition when the top of the soil gets dry i'm supposed to totally immerse the pot in water until bubbles stop appearing- ie. saturate the soil with water.

Up till now the soil has been totally wet the whole time and I'm worried I'm going to rot the roots. Also i can't find anywhere that sells specialised bonsai food (I bought it our local garden centre which only sells one or two bonsais and so has no specialised equipment or foods) - is normal houseplant food OK?

Anyway, hope you can help - hope you get your old page back soon - can I help at all with that? You know you can email the BBConline somewhere with your user number and username and they'll confidentially email you with the password.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/DontPanic-Register#8

Bye for now,

Orcus

I think you should do well with bonsais. On fertalizing, though, dilute houseplant-food and only water it at the base, not the leaves as it will burn them. If you are keeping it as an indoor plant, be sure never to leave it outside on a sunny say as it will burn or bleach the leaves.

Good Luck,

George Brooke

Thanks

I've got enough plants in my garden already so don't worry I won't be leaving it outside.

Good.