CHINESE ELM (Ulmus parvifolia)
It is one of the most popular elm species used in Bonsai. It develops fine ramification and starts resembling a mature elm in nature quickly. It is indigenous to South-East Asia and China. What makes this a great Bonsai is that it develops a beautiful scaling bark with orange patches and can be kept indoors and outdoors. Out of all the indoor species of Bonsai, the Chinese Elm is the hardiest, making it perfect for Canadian weather, where temperatures can fluctuate drastically in short periods.
Watering: it does not withstand drought very well but does not like a lot of moisture either. So it is best to water when the top layer is dry.
Training: ideal for shaping with standard wiring.
Pruning: the trunk of this tree thickens quickly and requires pruning to direct ramification. Unkept, it will soon grow out of control. Pruning is recommended in the Fall.
Repotting: it is recommended to be repotted every other year when young. Once developed (15 years or older), you can repot every 4-5 years. Regardless of age, it is best to repot in the Spring.
YOUNG: 12" - 14" tall, comes in a 6" grower's pot.
MATURE: 14" - 18" tall, comes with a medium ceramic 8inch pot.
Soil (Substrate)
Bonsai soils are usually a mixture of organic potting compost (Pine Bark or Forest Floor), Akadama, pumice, lava rock in varying amounts.
It is important for the soil have good water retention while also draining well, along with very good aeration. The quality of the soil directly affects the health, size and growth of your tree. One of the worst things you can do to your tree is plant it in regular garden soil. Garden soil hardens when it drys and can often lead to a disadvantage when growing a Bonsai.
Soil mixtures can be purchased here, but given their weight and cost of shipping, you can also easily make your own.
Depending on the type of Bonsai you're growing, here are the general formulas for successful mixtures.
Deciduous Tree (Leafy and looses leafs in the fall)
10% Potting Compost
Coniferous Tree (Evergreen like Juniper, Cedar)
If you are not able to check on your Bonsai's moisture levels daily, add more Akadama to the mix.
Given how these soils erode over time, repotting every 2-3 years is required.
Here are some suitable replacements if you cannot find the recommended types of soil.
One of the best and easiest ways to fertilize your Bonsai, is to add a liquid fertilizer mix when water your Bonsai's once a month during the spring/summer. If your Bonsai looses leaves in the winter there is no need to fertilize it then. If you have a coniferous tree, fertilizing the tree once in the beginning of winter and once in the middle of winter should be sufficient.
Chinese elm came on time. Had all the leaves on it still. Perfect condition, great bonsai pot. Awesome company !
Got Chinese elm in perfect condition. All the leaves were still on and green.
The bonsai pot is high quality as well.
Exceeded expectations! Great company
Arrived safe, sound and healthy. lost some leaves due to moving shock but sitting pretty in it's new home. Gorgeous tree, I'm impressed!!
My Chinese Elm arrived well packed and healthy. Very nice pre bonsai
My order for 2 elms was shipped on time and came in early December well packaged and well protected from the cold. One of the elms had noticeable leaf loss but after placing them in a bright and sunny spot in the house, it is now fully recovered and both have begun sprouting new shoots!. I can't be any happier with my purchase.
