Chinese Elm Bonsai Care Guidelines

General information about the Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree

The Chinese Elm Bonsai, also known  as the Ulmus parvifolia,   is a very popular tree species used for Bonsai. The Chinese Elm develops a fine  ramification with small leaves,   which makes it a very suitable Bonsai plant.

So how do you care for your Chinese elm?

The Chinese elm is a deciduous tree species,   which usually means it needs to  be placed outdoors, year round. Often the Chinese elm is sold as indoor bonsai,   and keeping it indoors year-round is possible  and it will keep its leaves in winter.

Can Chinese elm bonsai be grown indoors

When kept outdoors it will  shed its leaves in winter. The Chinese elm prefers a sunny position,   if kept indoors this means you have  to put it right in front of a window. When kept outdoors,   protect your Elm from strong frosts of around  15 degrees Fahrenheit, or -10 degrees celsius.

How often should you water a Chinese elm bonsai

Water the Chinese elm generously  whenever the soil gets slightly dry. Best is to water your bonsai, then wait a minute   and water it again, to make sure  the entire root mass is watered. Observe the tree closely and  make sure it never dries out,   the Chinese elm really dislikes  short periods of drought.

Daily misting will help raise  the humidity around your Bonsai. You can also place your tree on a  humidity tray filled with water. Fertilize your Chinese elm  during the entire growth season,   from early spring till fall, using  a liquid fertilizer when watering.

Are Chinese Elm trees messy

Regular pruning is required to  maintain the shape of your Chinese elm. Simply prune shoots that extend to 3-4 leaves,  back to 1-2 leaves, using a sharp scissors. Pruning thick branches should be done in fall.

Bonsai are kept in small pots, and therefore we  repot the trees every two years, in early spring. If you see the roots circling around the root  system, your Bonsai needs to be repotted. If the roots are still contained within soil,  leave it and check again the following spring.

You can propagate the Chinese elm using cuttings,   or buy them online as these are  widely available at bonsai retailers. If your Chinese elm is losing a lot  of leaves, this is often the result   of improper watering or not enough light.

How much sun does a Chinese elm bonsai need

Again, make sure you place your  Bonsai at a very light spot   right in front of a window when kept indoors. And water it generously as soon  as the soil gets slightly dry.