Sageretia

Sageretia(Sageretia theezans) - evergreen tree/shrub. Origin: Southeast Asia, China.
This plant is often underestimated, but with proper care it produces a very elegant, “classic” Japanese bonsai with small leaves, but it requires discipline.

Location
Outdoors from May to September
Indoors in winter

Lighting
Loves the sun: 6–8 hours of bright light.
South/southeast window.
In winter, supplement with a grow light for 10–12 hours (see here)
If there is not enough light:
- shoots will stretch;
- leaves will become larger;
- branches will become bare.

Temperature and humidity
Requires a stable temperature
In summer: +20...+30 °C
In winter: +12...+18 °C (needs a light rest period)
Minimum: +10 °C, does not tolerate frost
Humidity: 50–70%
Regular spraying
- in winter, use a tray with wet pebbles (see here)
Use a humidity and temperature sensor for monitoring (see here)

Soil
Sagerecia likes light but moisture-retentive substrate 
40% akadama
30% pumice
20% lava (drainage)
10% organic matter (see here)

Watering
Water when the top layer dries out.
Do not allow to dry out completely.
Water should be warm, soft, and settled.
In summer: daily or every other day.
In winter: 2-3 times a week.
Overwatering will cause leaf drop.
Overwatering will cause root rot.
Use a watering indicator to monitor (see here).

Fertilizers
During the growing season: balanced (see here).
In autumn: less nitrogen.
In winter: do not fertilize.

Shaping
Better at a young age.
Use wire, check every 2 weeks.
Apply carefully, never leave for more than 1–2 months.
Cut shoots that have grown to 6–7 leaves to 2 leaves.
Constant pinching is the main secret to small leaves.
Branches well with proper pruning

Transplanting
Best time: spring.
Young plants: once a year.
Mature plants: once every 2–3 years.
When transplanting, prune up to 30% of the roots.
Remove thick downward-growing roots.

Diseases and pests
- spider mites;
- scale insects;
- aphids.
Prevention:
- Fresh air
- Humidity and good drainage
- Regular inspection of the underside of leaves
- Neem oil preparations (see here)

Common mistakes by beginners
- Overdrying
- Sudden change of location
- Lack of light
- Forgetting to check the wire