Chinese Elm
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[edit] Chinese Elm
For beginners to experts alike, the Chinese Elm is praised as one of the best, most versatile trees for bonsai cultvation. This Elm is native to East Asia, and in the wild can grow to 60 feet tall- outdoors, or course.
[edit] Appearance
[edit] Bark
The bark is mottled with a dark gray color that is mixed with cream and red coloring. The bark of the Chinese Elm bonsai tree is the most fascinating aspect of the tree. Depending on the species, some trees have smooth bark and some rough, almost cork-like looking bark. With the cracked type, it will become even more deeply fissured as the tree ages, giving it yet more enriched character. However, with the Chinese Elm bonsai tree the smoother the bark the less hardy the tree.
[edit] Decidous/Evergreen?
The Chinese Elm remains semi-evergreen, as long as kept indoors. However, growing this tree as a larger outdoor bonsai would mean that it would develop as deciduous.
[edit] Leaves
Leaves are small, dark green, and have a leathery appearance with a shiny top side and small, blunt teeth.Chinese Elm is not prone to Dutch Elm Disease. Because of this, the Chinese Elm makes an excellent plant for people just starting out growing bonsai. The growth pattern is highly predictable and you do not have to be an expert at pruning because this tree is very forgiving. Additionally, the Chinese Elm bonsai tree is slow-growing, allowing you time to become accustomed to training and caring.
[edit] Care
Whilst caring for a Chinese Elm bonsai tree, it must be protected from harsh conditions, as well as cold weather. Although the tree is hardy, cold blasts of air will not allow it to thrive.
[edit] Pruning
To prune, the best time is after the growth period, which would be in the early spring months. When pruning, leave 1-2 nodes located closest to the main branch or trunk.
[edit] Watering
The Chinese Elm bonsai tree will need moderate water throughout the year. The key is to keep the tree moist at all times but not over watered.Check the surface of the soil by pressing down lightly with a fingertip. When the soil feels dry to touch, water it. This is done by standing the tree-and pot- in a container of water, where the water level is up to the rim of the pot, for 10 minutes/until the tree is saturated. If you live in a soft-water area,water and humidify the tree by spring,rain or tap water, but if you live in hard-water areas ( cities) then do not use tap-water. To keep the tree moist, you may spray- mist the surface gently. Beginners beware, this does not water the plant, and you must check the soil dryness before spray-misting.
[edit] Feeding
Just as your Chinese Elm bonsai tree needs careful watering, you also want to provide it with a weekly feeding, never feeding when out of leaf for indoor growth. However, if you plan to grow the Chinese Elm outdoors, then after the buds open in the spring, the tree will need a weekly feeding with high nitrogen for about one month and then every two weeks thereafter until later summer. Finally, the Chinese Elm bonsai tree would be wired for training on a regular basis but only when out of leaf. Remember, the bark marks easily so be very careful with the process. The result is a magnificent bonsai specimen, perfect for getting started.
[edit] Repotting
The Chinese Elm bonsai tree needs to be repotted during the early spring months, typically between one and three years. Repot a month before or after you have pruned the tree. This is important so that the tree will be able to get through the repotting process with as little shock as possible.
[edit] Tree Placement
Because the Chinese Elm bonsai tree is so versatile, you can place it in full sun or shade and it will do very well. However, during the hot summer months, you do want to make sure your bonsai tree gets some shade, and is never allowed to dry out. Never place your tree right next to a window, as the sun will scorch the leaves. Do NOT attempt this, especcialyy when you have just humidified the tree, and the leaves are wet. Make sure to place your tree where it can be looked at and admired!
[edit] Genus
The Chinese Elm falls in the Ulmus species that includes more than 45 species of deciduous, semi-evergreen trees. These trees are known for alternating ovate to elliptic toothed leaves with incredible fall color display.
