Serissa Forest

by Arturo Cid
(Broward County, Florida)

I live in South Florida, and am the President of the Broward Bonsai Society. I started this Serissa forest 5 years ago from small plants bought from George Buriff's nursery. I have never wired it until now and have always kept pruning the top and cleaning some of the undesirable growth from below.

When it flowers it really makes a statement and looks like "A Thousand Stars". Everyone tells of how difficult it is to keep these alive, so I feel a sense of accomplishment just to have had this forest for so long.

I find that as long as it is watered daily and not allowed to cook under direct sun they do well. I use Miracle-Gro liquid fertilizer every week or so in the summer months and less often in the winter. I also use slow release osmocote every 2-3 months.

The container is a handmade tray about 24 x 11 by a member of the Miami Club nicknamed "Bear" who passed a few years ago. Bonsai enthusiasts are calling these "Bear-trays". I am told that they are collectible.

In the late 80's I met you in some of the meetings in the Miami Club and was infected by your enthusiasm for this wonderful art. Because of a busy work schedule, I have not had a lot of time to dedicate to this great hobby but in the past few years I am becoming more dedicated to my trees.