Today I bought a 3-4 year old serissa foetida bonsai, which this site described as, "not a good choice for beginners in temperate climates." Unfortunately, I am indeed a beginner in a temperate climate :c

I think that this little tree is lovely, and I'd really hate to see it die-- how difficult is this plant? Should I be accepting defeat and attempting to return it, or should I be fine if I'm careful to follow the instructions provided on this site?

(Also, if this doesn't seem impossible, how important is styling? I personally don't mind the current shape, but I'm happy to change the style for its health!)

Thanks in advance for any and all input-- spin

It looks a reasonable plant. What country are you in? You need to lean how to water properly. Watering should be when needed not to a schedule. Check the soil every day and water when almost dry. Use a chopstick to see. Add fertiliser about every 2 to 3 weeks, and keep the long shoots trimmed. The style is what it is and as a novice you will need to keep it as it is until you know how to change it. Don't change for the hell of it.
Geoff.

I'm in the USA-- just on the border of Zones 6b & 7a in Pennsylvania.

It's in fine gravel; will the chopstick trick still work? I've just been going by the soil's color & feel for the last day. I've watered it twice so far, but probably no more than 60/70ml at a time.

I'm glad to hear the styling can wait until I know what I'm doing! Am I in danger of shocking the plant if I trim too many of the shoots at once? It says it can withstand aggressive pruning, but I'd hate to overdo it...

Thanks kindly for taking time to answer c: --spin

I am surprised it is in gravel. Not a good material, I would think the chopstick test would work but I am not sure you would have to water then put it in. When you water you need to pour on until it runs out then a bit more. Let it drain and put it back in the brightest spot you can.
There should be no need for aggressive pruning, if done in time.
Geoff.