a4p
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identify this Bonsai? (Serissa)

My son received this Bonsai as a gift for his birthday this weekend. I'm trying to learn what kind it is. If it's an inside or outside Bonsai? ... so we can care for it properly. It already looks a little weak.

https://lh6.ggpht.com/_KY_jv1Q0J0k/SpMRebWZIHI/AAAAAAAAC3M/bxLOiryAdZI/s400/DSC03835.JPG

https://lh4.ggpht.com/_KY_jv1Q0J0k/SpMRfK-0jlI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/aBVpiNVUlxY/s400/DSC03830.JPG

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bonsaiboy
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Looks like a Fuken Tea. I am not quite sure though. Here is some information on them https://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/FukienTea.html

a4p
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Thanks... It just seems that the trunk is much thinner than the Fuken Tea I've seen. Here's a close up of the trunk. Do you think it might be a brush cherry?

https://lh3.ggpht.com/_KY_jv1Q0J0k/SpPnMB_PipI/AAAAAAAAC4E/QRcz7XLzuO8/s800/DSC03829.JPG

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bonsaiboy
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Could also be a member of the genus Serissa, or Tree of a Thousand Stars as I've heard them called. One thing I've noticed about the soil is that it appears to be covered by glued down rocks. If this is the case, they must be removed at once, and the soil must be changed to a more appropriate soil.

kdodds
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Serissa would be my second guess, my first would be Mounjean Tea. I believe it's scientific name is Nashia inaguensis, but don't hold me to that. I've not had much luck with them. Either would be indoor trees, and both are notoriously finicky.

a4p
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Just found out from the nursery where we bought it... it's Tree of a Thousand Stars [Serissa Foetida]

We're probably over watering it, and I'm sure its stressing over moving it around!

kdodds
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Oh, I wouldn't count on your horticultural skills being the problem. Serrissa is one of those species that just about everyone, novice to expert, has tried and given up on.

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bonsaiboy
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I have heard they require a dormancy period in order to survive. I have never grown this species, and I therefore can't help much. But don't assume its to late, and give up just yet. Just put it near a window with bright light away from a heat source.



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