The Snow Rose (Serissa Japonica) is an exquisite Bonsai. Known for its year-round blossoming white flowers and intricate and interesting root structure, this a very desirable Bonsai.
Grown mainly outdoors in the tropics, in Canada, the Snow Rose will do very well indoors. The Snow Rose does enjoy lots of sunlight, but be careful not to place it too close to a window where the temperature fluctuations can have a negative effect on the Snow Rose. If you cannot provide the Snow Rose with 8-10 hours of sunlight a day (not direct sunlight), then consider purchasing a small inexpensive grow light to supplement natural light.
The Snow Rose is quick to express its satisfaction with flowers or it's dissatisfaction by turning its leaves yellow and maybe even shedding them. If the Snow Rose is not happy, check the location of the Bonsai and make sure it's getting enough light and the temperature is stable. When watering, make sure the soil is almost dry and then give the Snow Rose a good long drink. (See our watering instructions here).
Being a vigorous grower, the Snow Rose does very well with pruning and training. Check the pot every 1-2 years to see if the Bonsai has become pot bound and requires re-potting.
YOUNG: 6" - 12" tall, comes in a 6" grower's pot.
MAME MATURE: 4"- 8" tall, comes in a 3" handmade ceramic pot.
MATURE: 8" - 16" tall, comes in an 8" handmade ceramic pot.
Soil (Substrate)
Bonsai soils are usually a mixture of organic potting compost (Pine Bark or Forest Floor), Akadama, pumice, lava rock in varying amounts.
It is important for the soil have good water retention while also draining well, along with very good aeration. The quality of the soil directly affects the health, size and growth of your tree. One of the worst things you can do to your tree is plant it in regular garden soil. Garden soil hardens when it drys and can often lead to a disadvantage when growing a Bonsai.
Soil mixtures can be purchased here, but given their weight and cost of shipping, you can also easily make your own.
Depending on the type of Bonsai you're growing, here are the general formulas for successful mixtures.
Deciduous Tree (Leafy and looses leafs in the fall)
10% Potting Compost
Coniferous Tree (Evergreen like Juniper, Cedar)
If you are not able to check on your Bonsai's moisture levels daily, add more Akadama to the mix.
Given how these soils erode over time, repotting every 2-3 years is required.
Here are some suitable replacements if you cannot find the recommended types of soil.
One of the best and easiest ways to fertilize your Bonsai, is to add a liquid fertilizer mix when water your Bonsai's once a month during the spring/summer. If your Bonsai looses leaves in the winter there is no need to fertilize it then. If you have a coniferous tree, fertilizing the tree once in the beginning of winter and once in the middle of winter should be sufficient.
I purchased a little snow rose for a Christmas gift…I have become quite attached to it as I am looking after it before I give it away. May have to purchase one for myself! It was packaged with such loving care, and arrived very healthy after many days! Thank you.
I am very happy with my Bonsai “Snow Rose” It arrived promptly and safely during cold Alberta weather. I lost some leaves - I believe to the cold, but the plant recovered quickly and well and I have gotten new leaves and blooms!!! Very very Happy!
Il a de très belles racines aériennes, mais il n'a pas aimé le changement de température du transport malgré qu'il faisait 15°, des nouvelles feuilles ont poussées ce qui augure bien 🤞
I love it. It arrived in excellent condition and is growing like a weed. So pleased.
I very much like the new snow roses I got with this order.
