Snow Rose (Serissa foetida)

Snow Rose

Serissa foetida

Tiny white blooms cover its branches like scattered snow. Evergreen compact shrub; common names: snow rose, tree of a thousand stars.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerates partial shade; avoid intense midday direct sun which can scorch leaves
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Watering Water when top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in 15–25°C; protect from temperatures below 10°C to prevent leaf drop
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, oval, glossy green leaves; may develop yellow variegation in some cultivars
  • Flower: Fragrant, star-shaped white blooms with 4–6 petals; appear in dense clusters
  • Stem: Thin, woody stems with fine branching; easily shaped for bonsai
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist leaves to boost humidity

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization in late autumn and winter to support dormancy

Eggshell powder top-dressing:Grind dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per pot monthly to boost soil calcium and drainage
Pruning
  • Pinch back new growth regularly to maintain compact, rounded shape
  • Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
  • Trim overgrown branches in early spring to refine bonsai form
  • Cut back leggy stems to promote dense branching
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes purity and delicate beauty; popular for bonsai cultivation

Usage: Bonsai specimen, container garden plant, small border shrub