Bahama Berry Nashia

General information: The Bahama Berry Nashia is native to the island of Inagua in the Bahamas. It is a rangy shrub with a mature trunks of 3-4 inches. The trunk and bark has an aged appearance for it’s young years.  It has a very small shiny green leaf with close inter-nodes (space between leaves). The fragrant flowers are tiny and form in cluster and are creamy white. The berries that follow are reddish orange and are ornamental. The leaves are also fragrant — herb-like. Perfect for shohin.

Lighting: It can be grown outdoors in full sun or indoors in a sunny window about two or three feet away from the window. It prefers humid climates so having it indoors would require a humidity tray where water can sit in the tray providing a moist environment around the tree.  Misting the leaves and tree every other day would help with all your tropical bonsai.  This also helps with insect control, most insects like dry areas so inside the house is a perfect environment for bugs so spraying with water will deter the bugs.

Temperature: It likes it hot to grow. If grown indoors it will appreciate warm feet during the winter best to be by a sunny window.  The tree will do fine indoors during the winter with temps in the 60’s to 70’s The growth will slow down with night time temps in the 50’s like most tropical trees and shrubs.

Watering: The tree wants to be consistently moist to wet and never, never dry. Another name is “I Dry-I Die” – unlike many tropical’s that can be brought back from the brink of a dead wilt, this one will suffer when dry dry.  Best to run the surface of the soil if it’s still damp the tree is fine.  Always drench the pot when watering, allow the water to drip from the holes in the bottom of the pot

Visit the Care page for more information.

Feeding: Spring and summer fertilize weekly with a balanced fertilizer, once a month during winter.

Pruning and wiring: Somewhat brittle, but can be wired. Trim frequently to keep the shape. Wonderful for clip and grow.

Propagation: Grows best from cuttings in spring and early summer (warm nights).

Repotting: Repot in early summer . . . not late August. At the proper time of year roots can be severely cut with no problem. Never mind attempting to comb out…just saw with a knife.

Pests and diseases: Pit scale and mealy bugs, especially indoors or in areas with poor air circulation.

Compiled by Mary Miller, Miami, FL.