Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree Care Giude
Chinese Elm Bonsai Trees
Ulmus Parviflora
Chinese Elm bonsai trees are probably the most common kind of bonsai and generally the first one most people will own. WIthout some information on how to look after them they are also usually the last one they will ever have after it struggles and then finally gives up.
They are tough and able to survive the hazards of life indoors, difficult for any tree. Chinese Elm have very small leaves, rugged bark, fine branches and nice roots. Large trees have real charisma and the wow factor. Small ones can be bought cheaply.
The tree is semi-decidious and will either keep or partially loose its leaves depending on the conditions in which is it kept.
Location
Bonsai requires a bright positon, if your going to keep one in the house please avoid dark corners. You can keep them on a really bright windowsill but the tree will require large amounts of watering and the leave can be scorched in summer sun. Therefore somewhere near a window is good but not in full sun all day is ideal. Correct position of the tree in the home is a major factor in the success of failure of the bonsai. As will all indoor bonsai stay away from sources of heat like TVs, owens and especially radiators.
If outside, the tree is not fussy. I grow them outside in full sun, partially sun and full shade. They are all very happy. The tree does not like frost which can damage the fleshy roots.
Watering
Aim to maintain an even level of moisture. The species is quite thirsty especially in hot or sunny conditions. Pot emersion watering can be done or the tree can be watered from above. It largely depending on when the tree was last repotted and what mixture of organic or inorganic soil medium was used.
Pruning
Chinese Elms can be very vigorous growers which can resemble fluffy bushes in as little as a couple of weeks. the leaves group alternativley on straight shoots. If you seek simply to maintain the existing shape of a pre-made bonsai, cut the shoots back to the first set of new leaves after the shoot has got an inch or two in length. It also responds will to finger pinching of small shoots on an ongoing basis.
Feeding
Feeding can be done all year round with a tree kepy indoors. Use either a low strength liquid feed or slow release granular feed. If you've just recieved a Chinese Elm and are looking into how to keep it, don't feed it for the first few weeks. Give it chance to settle into its new environment before starting to feed.
Repotting
Chinese Elms grow quickly and should be regularly repotted. Small bonsai will want repotting every year to keep them in the best of health. Here is some helpful advice on how to do this.