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 ones they will ever have after they struggle and then finally give up.
They are tough and able to survive the hazards of life indoors, difficult for any tree. Chinese Elm has 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-deciduous and will either keep or partially loose its leaves depending on the conditions in which is it kept.
To my mind, location is the biggest factor in success when keeping bonsai trees indoors. A coffee table isn’t going to work in the middle of a sitting room. A bookshelf will be too dark. Almost everywhere that you see them in films and on TV won’t work, the bonsai tree has been put there for the filming. Sorry to burst the bubble, but it’s quite true.
Bonsai require a bright position, if you are going to keep one in the house please avoid dark corners. Indoor bonsai trees want plenty of light, so a bright sunny windowsill works well. The main problem with this is that in summer, it will be very hot. ideally, you want the light without the heat, which is hard to do.
Solutions to this problem include bigger pots, bigger trees, drip trays, mist spraying and moving the bonsai tree in summer. A bigger pot relative to the tree will provide a larger reservoir of soil, meaning that the tree will dry out less quickly and that the moisture in the soil evaporate, making the air around the tree more humid. A bigger tree is more robust generally, as they have more roots. A drip tray underneath the pot will collect some water and more humidity. Mist spraying will again increase the humidity (you get where I’m going here – they like a humid environment.) If you can, a few months outside will help a lot, do this in summer, to avoid the dry, hot window in summer.
I sometimes say to customers “When you go into the garden in spring, take the bonsai tree with you. When you come back in at the end of summer, bring it back in”.
If outside, the tree is not fussy. I grow them outside in full sun, partially sun and full shade. They are all very happy.
When I first started growing bonsai trees, I used to think that Chinese Elms were sensitive to the cold. Over the years and with experimentation, I have found that they are amazingly hardy trees that can withstand cold temperatures down to around minus ten degrees. The big plus in growing them outside this that the leaves are much smaller and the growth is much tighter, as they the not putting out big leaves in an attempt to hoover up as much light as possible.
“Do you remember that horrible winter a few years ago when it dropped to minus 15? That is the only winter that I have lost Chinese Elms to the cold.” Another shop quote.
The Chinese elm bonsai tree (Ulmus parvifolia) is one of the most popular choices for bonsai enthusiasts Its resilience, aesthetic appeal, and ease of care make it an excellent option for beginners and experts alike Properly caring for a Chinese elm bonsai is rewarding, as it can live for decades with simple yet attentive care. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to successfully growing a healthy and beautiful Chinese elm bonsai tree.
Choosing the Right Chinese Elm for Bonsai
When selecting a Chinese elm for bonsai, look for a tree with a thick trunk, visible surface roots, and well-tapered branches Smaller trees with slender trunks can be shaped over time through pruning and wiring techniques Examine the tree for signs of pests, diseases, or dead branches. Select a tree in good health to start your bonsai journey.
Providing the Ideal Growing Environment
Chinese elm bonsai thrive in bright light and moderate humidity. Place your bonsai tree in a sunny area indoors or a partly shaded location outdoors. Avoid hot afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. Mist the tree daily or place it on a humidity tray with pebbles and water.
Keep the bonsai tree outdoors as long as night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Bring it indoors before the first fall frost. The Chinese elm can withstand light freezes but avoid extended freezing weather.
Good air circulation is also important Position a small fan near your indoor bonsai or shelter it from strong winds outside Stagnant air encourages fungal diseases,
Watering Recommendations
Water your Chinese elm bonsai whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the holes at the bottom of the pot. The tree prefers moist but not soggy soil. Pay close attention to watering needs in hot weather.
Consider placing the potted bonsai tree in a water bath container for 10 minutes occasionally. This ensures the entire root system absorbs moisture. Allow the bonsai to drain completely before returning it to the display location.
Fertilizer Requirements
Feed your Chinese elm bonsai every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Look for equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer formula, such as 10-10-10. Follow label directions for proper dilution and application.
Reduce feeding frequency as growth slows by mid to late summer. Fertilize sparingly or not at all during the winter dormancy period. Resume regular feeding when new growth appears in spring.
Effective Pruning and Wiring
Prune new shoots back to just two leaves to encourage branching and fullness. Allow each shoot to grow three to four nodes before pruning. Remove any downward growing branches as well.
Shape and train established branches using wire. Wrap the pliable branches carefully and watch for wire damage. Remove wires after 6-8 months once the branch holds its shape.
Significant pruning can be done before repotting. This allows time for recovery before the stress of repotting shocks the tree. Prune judiciously at all other times to maintain the desired shape.
Skills for Repotting Chinese Elm Bonsai
Repot young Chinese elm bonsai annually, older trees every 2-3 years. Always repot in early spring as buds swell. Carefully remove up to one-third of the tangled surface roots before placing the tree in a slightly larger pot.
Water thoroughly after repotting and keep the tree shaded for a few weeks. Feed lightly and resume normal care once new growth appears. The Chinese elm tolerates root pruning well if done properly.
A well-draining bonsai soil mix is ideal. Consider adding a layer of coarse gravel at the bottom of pots to improve drainage and aerate the roots.
Protecting Your Bonsai from Pests and Diseases
Inspect your Chinese elm bonsai regularly for signs of pests like spider mites, scale, or aphids. Treat any infestations immediately with organic neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays. Quarantine new trees to prevent introducing pests.
Prevent fungal issues like black spot by providing good air flow. Prune and discard infected leaves and treat with a fungicide spray. A healthy tree is more resistant to diseases.
Caring for an Outdoor Chinese Elm Bonsai
When growing Chinese elm bonsai outside, provide morning sun and afternoon shade for best results. Shelter the tree from harsh winds which can damage the foliage and branches. Allow the bonsai to experience natural rain and temperature fluctuations.
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks and water whenever the soil becomes dry under the top layer. Prune regularly to maintain the ideal shape and size. Monitor for pests and fungal issues closely.
Protect the roots from freezing by burying the pot in the ground over winter or keeping the tree in an unheated garage or shed. Mulch around the base of the pot to insulate the roots as well.
Propagating New Chinese Elm Bonsai Trees
Propagate Chinese elm bonsai from cuttings in summer. Take 6 inch cuttings from the tips of established tree branches using sharp scissors or shears. Place the fresh cutting into water until roots form.
Pot the rooted cutting into a bonsai soil mixture. Water regularly and fertilize lightly while the new bonsai tree becomes established. Gradually shape and train the young tree as it matures.
Seeds can also be used for propagation but cuttings are often more successful. Start many seedlings because germination rates are low.
Troubleshooting Common Chinese Elm Bonsai Problems
Yellow or falling leaves – Often caused by moving a Chinese elm bonsai indoors or to a new location. Allow 4-6 weeks for the tree to adjust to the new growing conditions before taking action. Avoid overwatering during this transition period.
Leggy growth – Insufficient light typically causes weak, elongated growth. Provide brighter light conditions and prune regularly to encourage compact growth.
Leaf drop – If leaves drop shortly after emerging, the soil may contain too much peat or the tree is not anchored firmly in the pot. Check that watering and fertilizing practices are correct as well.
No new growth – Lack of new growth indicates a stressed, unhealthy bonsai. Place the tree outdoors if possible and provide attentive care. Prune any dead branches and treat for pests or diseases.
Key Takeaways on Caring for Chinese Elm Bonsai
- Select a healthy tree and position it in a sunny spot with good air circulation
- Water thoroughly when the top soil becomes partly dry
- Feed every 2 weeks during the growing season
- Prune new shoots back to 2 leaves and shape with wire
- Repot young trees annually, older trees every 2-3 years
- Monitor for pests like spider mites and diseases like black spot
- Shelter outdoor trees from harsh winds and winter freezes
- Propagate new trees from summer stem cuttings
- Allow time for leaf and bud drop when moving trees indoors
The resilient Chinese elm bonsai tree is a satisfying evergreen or deciduous species to cultivate for beginners or experienced enthusiasts. Follow these care guidelines for a successfully maintained indoor or outdoor bonsai specimen. With time and practice, you’ll be able to shape an elegant living art bonsai to enjoy for many years to come.
Chinese elm Bonsai Care guidelines Placement
The Chinese elm thrives in either full sun and/or partial shade. In temperate climates, it can be left outdoors even during winter months. If you have an indoor Chinese Elm Bonsai you can place it outside during the summer, but its best to bring it into a cool, but frost-free, room in the winter. The Chinese Elm can usually endure some frost but it differs depending on the region it was imported from. Trees from northern Chinese regions are more frost-hardy than those coming from southern areas. Depending on winter temperatures Chinese Elms either drop their leaves or keep them until spring when the new shoots emerge. Watering
The Chinese Elm can not endure prolonged drought or constant moisture. Ignore labels stating your Chinese elm needs watering every day, you need to water on observation. Wait until the topsoil is dry, and then water generously, making sure the entire root-mass is watered. Continue reading about watering Bonsai trees.
Make sure to provide plenty of fertilizer to nourish your Chinese Elm during the growing season. You dont need to use any fancy fertilizers. A combination of solid organic fertilizer with a well-balanced liquid chemical fertilizer works great. No fertilization is necessary during cold winters when the elm tree is dormant. Pruning and wiring
The Chinese elm thickens rather quickly and requires frequent trimming in order to produce a dense network of fine branches. Allow the shoot to extend 3 or 4 nodes before pruning it back to 1 or 2 leaves. The tree buds well from old wood after strong pruning. The best time to prune larger branches is in late autumn. The Chinese elm is ideal for shaping with standard wiring and guy wire techniques. Continue reading about pruning Bonsai trees. Repotting
Chinese Elm trees should be repotted every two years when they are young. As they grow older and larger they can be repotted in longer intervals. No matter what the age, the best time to repot is during the spring. The elms roots tend to grow crooked and intertwined, so its important that root pruning be done carefully and with precision to create a nice nebari. It has no special soil requirements, but its best to select a well-draining soil. A standard soil mixture will suffice. Continue reading about repotting Bonsai trees. Propagation
We recommend using cuttings to propagate the Chinese Elm Bonsai trees. Its easy and rarely presents any problems. Propagating using seeds is, of course, possible but not recommended. Pests and diseases
The Chinese Elm is often infested by spider mites or scale when humidity is low. Appropriate pesticides should be used, and frequent spraying with water helps to deter pests and diseases. Spraying with thinned lime-sulfur or systemic pesticides can cause the Chinese Elm to lose all its leaves, so avoid these products. For more detailed information on these techniques, check out our Bonsai tree care section.
Chinese elm bonsai tree
Leaves of the Chinese elm
Ulmus in Chinese Penjing landscape
Watering your Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree
Aim to maintain an even level of moisture. Balance is key. You can rot plants’ roots through too much water. Equally too little water has more obvious consequences. If the leaves curl up and go dry and crispy, this is a sign of drying out.
Indoors, the most simple way to water is with a cup or jug. Just pour water onto the soil surface. Water until water runs out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. Most of the roots are in the bottom portion of the pot, so if you only give them a bit of water, the top will look wet, while the majority of the roots are actually dry.
You can also dunk the whole pot and soil in a bowl of water in order to make sure that you haven’t missed any part of the root mass. After that, leave it to drain on the kitchen drainer or outside.
What about mist spraying?
Yes, some people do this, the idea being to increase the humidity around the tree. It will increase the humidity around the bonsai. I need to point out though that I have had Chinese Elm bonsai trees growing on my south-facing kitchen window for years and have never ever mist-sprayed them.
Chinese Elm Bonsai care (Ulmus)
FAQ
How often do you water a Chinese Elm bonsai tree?
In summer water daily for both indoor and outdoor trees. During winter months check indoor trees daily to make sure the soil surface is not dry. Outdoor trees are unlikely to need much water once they have gone dormant. Although it is worth checking your trees often during dry winters.
Why are the leaves falling off my Chinese Elm bonsai?
Identifying Symptoms of Overwatering and Underwatering – Overwatering can turn your Chinese Elm’s leaves yellow, cause them to drop, and make stems mushy.Jun 8, 2024
Where do you put a Chinese elm bonsai tree?
Placement and Lighting: Place your Chinese Elm bonsai outdoors in a spot that receives ample sunlight. In the UK, it’s best to provide morning sunlight and protect it from intense afternoon sun, especially during the hot summer months. If you keep it indoors, make sure it receives bright, indirect light near a window.
How do you care for a Chinese Elm bonsai?
Chinese Elms prefer their soil to be slightly moist and allowed to dry out a little between watering sessions making it a practical choice for the frequent traveler. To get familiar with when to water the Chinese Elm Bonsai, stick your finger a half-inch it on the soil: If you do not feel much moisture, then it is likely time to water.
Are Chinese Elm bonsai trees good for beginners?
The Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), also known as the lacebark elm is among most readily available and most forgiving bonsai trees to work with, making it a great choice for beginners. To care for it properly, keep the tree warm and the soil moist. Prune, train, and repot the bonsai only as needed. Keep the bonsai in a warm location.
Should I repot my Chinese Elm bonsai?
When repotting your Chinese Elm bonsai, keep the following key considerations in mind: Timing: Repot your Chinese Elm bonsai every 2-3 years, or as needed, during the spring when the tree is dormant. Soil selection: Choose a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for bonsai trees, ensuring ideal moisture levels and aeration.
How often should you water a Chinese Elm bonsai tree?
They come in many different sizes from small (15 cm) to medium (45 cm), to larger ones which are about two feet tall. Water your Chinese Elm bonsai tree once every four or five days. As they are mainly indoor bonsai, water requirements for Chinese Elms will be far less than the outdoor ones.
Should you prune a Chinese Elm bonsai?
Pruning also enables you to control the tree’s size, allowing it to thrive in its container while maintaining a sense of proportion. To achieve ideal results, prune your Chinese Elm bonsai during the dormant season, removing any dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.
How often should you fertilize a Chinese Elm bonsai?
As a beginner, grasping the intricacies of fertilization is pivotal for cultivating a thriving Chinese Elm bonsai. During the active growing season, typically from spring to fall, provide your tree with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) every 2-3 weeks. This will promote robust growth and development.