Chinese Elm Bonsai Care: Assess and Location (Part 1)

[@grobonsai]

I’d love to know if you have a Chinese elm bonsai, and if so, how long have you had it? Have you done any work with it?

[@bigburtystoyshowcasing3815]

Gro Bonsai Great video! I’ve only just got into Bonsai and have a Chinese Elm and an Ilex. However, despite having a back garden, I’m choosing to try to keep them indoors, at least until autumn (currently in April) I’m also considering cutting two branches from my Elm in order to show of the brilliant extended “s bend” trunk.

[@tirgod100]

and where is the link for indoor care ? :)

[@ZeNex74]

@@tirgod100 trees live outdoors, die indoors

[@rov3r698]

Had one for about 3 months now, purchased from Bunnings (Australian garden centre) half price as it had lost all its leaves. Careful watering and some fertiliser and now heaps of new leaves and branches. Have removed some of the large leaves that had reverted, and the horrible gravel that was covering up a fairly large area of moss which if starting to green up again. Also replanted some of the moss around the pot. The tree is in an standard upright position with 2 lower branches one of which I might wire to match the other. Once I get a bit more leaf growth I will shape it and possible reposition and repot. The gravel was also hiding some nice roots which might be displayed better.

[@undeadwerewolves9463]

Gro Bonsai I just got one and I’ve never had one before 👀 I’m going to need your videos lol

[@chrismcgowan4684]

It's my 29 birthday today, and I've received a Chinese elm, I've always wanted a bonsai since high school, so it was a pleasant surprise

[@lewisnorden3744]

Nice, good luck to you!

[@beingme5655]

Ha! Now this is a video I NEED to watch! I had a 0% success rate with my last one but I’m determined to keep my new one alive. I even talk to him because apparently it can help plants 😂 Thank you so so much for your videos. I’m finding them so helpful! You Sir have a new subscriber 🍃

[@grobonsai]

Thanks for the sub, glad the info helps 😀

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

What a great instructional video. I have been an amateur enthusiast for over 20 years and have recently turned my garden into a small bonsai nursery. I run a stall in Spring / Summer at Grantham market. In this video you have covered all of the questions I am regularly chatting about with prospective bonsai parents. Trying to convince people that it is not really their fault that the tree died - often, just really poor rootbound soil from the importing process! I have a website which advertises my nursery but I am also including the 'best of' instructional guides from You Tube (my opinion). I hope you dont mind that I embed your video in my Chinese Elm section? I really see little point in repeating it all again in myown video...

[@grobonsai]

That's such great feedback, thank you! Please do embed my video, thanks. Good luck with the nursery and stall :D

[@69juamex]

Excellent information for those of us that want to start in bonsai.

[@patrickbowen5398]

Very informative video for me, as I just ordered a Chinese Elm bonsai. I'm sure I refer back to your video again and again, so Thank You for sharing this.

[@grobonsai]

That’s great news, I’m genuinely delighted. Where abouts in the world are you located? I’ll post a video in about a months time repotting my Dads s-shaped elm, hope to speak to you then! Best, Darren.

[@patrickbowen5398]

@@grobonsai Hi, I am in the USA - in the State of New Jersey. I am a "Newbie" and have just purchased (7) bonsai trees - all flowering bonsai except for the Chinese Elm. I look forward to seeing more from you. Thanks ~ Patrick

[@namenamename6]

Thank you for the video. Wonderful quality content. I hope your channel really grows and gets all the subscribers it deserves. Thanks again.

[@grobonsai]

Thanks 🙏

[@rodschroeder1048]

I really enjoy your videos very helpful. I’m wanting to get a Chinese elm, but what I can afford is a smaller one. I live in central US and want to grow the tree out to a larger size in my garden. The trees I’m finding are from water climates our winter are a bit harder than what it’s use to. If get it now, when would I be able to plant it outside and is this even advisable. I’m wanting a tree with a 2-3” trunk in the end. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Rod

[@erinx9344]

Just bought one, thank you so much!

[@grobonsai]

Great, thanks for watching!

[@Pete-z6e]

A heads up , don’t murder it by constantly pruning ,wiring etc, it happens.

[@erinx9344]

@@Pete-z6e thank you for the tips ! I haven't pruned it at all, I've sorta left it alone as its winter :) I'm scared to touch it too much I must admit 😅

[@fernandosanfranciscoca9278]

Hi I wish everybody can be detailed as you are when explaining things. Great video 👍 I just recently just got my Chinese elm ordered online over at bonsaiboy in New York, and I live in California, they advise me that I can have it inside right on top of window sil, would you recommend that or should I leave it outside? Thanks again.

[@grobonsai]

Thanks that’s very kind! Because of the climate difference, I think follow their advice. If the tree looks leggy in time, it might be an idea to transition to a shaded outdoor location provided it’s not so hot that keeping it hydrated becomes a problem.

[@WanderingBobAK]

I do, just got it. Trying to learn a bit.

[@enzeefpv9323]

I live in Massachusetts and it gets very cold in the winter. Do I keep my Chinese elm indoors in the winter? If so, what temperature do I aim for and how often do I water it throughout the winter? Thanks

[@grobonsai]

Yes, keep it from freezing badly although they can handle frost. Room temp is ok. Water when the soil is on the dry side, but not bone dry.

[@enzeefpv9323]

@@grobonsai okay cool. It’ll be my first tree and it’s coming from California so I will keep it inside for the winter. I just want to make sure I don’t kill the tree lol

[@MadBruvWD]

Hey Dazman, loving your channel, thank you for the videos, it’s all adding to the font of little tree knowledge. I have a quick question regarding pruning, I have a couple of Chinese Elms, lovely trees and growing well, is it best to let it grow mad and wait to prune, or can I carry on and prune as and when the shoots are a few cms long.

[@daveskate123]

Hi great video! I would like to ask one question. I had some small pests on my Chinese elm that I recently purchased and i decided to spray it with soapy water. Not sure if was too soapy but now the leaves have small brown/ black dots all over the underside. I re sprayed the tree 10 mins after the soap spray with plain water. And have been spraying with water ever since. I’m only worried because I’m taking the tree abroad and not sure if they will think it is sick ... appreciate any help!

[@grobonsai]

Hi, it sounds like it could be elm black spot. Feel free to look it up or send me a clear photo of affected areas. You can message on Instagram, @grobonsai, email [e-mail], or join the Gro Bonsai Facebook group and share photos there. In the meantime it might be worth holding off on spraying, as that can exacerbate fungal issues

[@Pollandland]

"Spent 100 quid on a 15+ year old bonsai tree and then put it somewhere where you're never going to see it like your garage, shed, bottom drawer" hahaha

[@grobonsai]

Hehehe it’s true 😂 we don’t want your investment to die though

[@billmarsh1971]

Is early spring the best time to plant elm bonsai seeds and, if so, do you recommend the seeds are refrigerated for a few weeks to imitate winter cold? Thanks in advance

[@grobonsai]

I’ve never done elm seeds as they clone so easily. Most temperate seeds need 6weeks or more of cold. Some need cold then a warm period, then another cold spell. I’m sure there will be specific info on Google for your species

[@stevejuststuff2779]

I live in the far North. It's quite common to be 25 to 30 below zero for days at a time and 30 inches of snow. My garage stays 50 degrees in the winter and the South side has a nice big window. Would a Bonsai do ok in front of the window if I misted it occasionally?

[@carolficorilli9768]

What if you do not have a greenhouse. My husband and I live in a 1 bedroom apartment with a patio-no real yard. I have a table on my patio that I place my plants on-but it has been getting real hot with a high heat index lately here. I live in Frankfort, KY. There is a weather warning out for the next few days. temps in the 90's-but the heat index up to 105-110 degrees. Heat stroke warning out. so, with all that what do I do with the plant? I cannot put up a shade thing, nothing to place it on, etc.

[@Doooooooooooood]

I've just been given a Chinese Elm. My very first Bonsai, I've had just three days but I love it already. I'm attached. Now, I don't want it to die. The tree is very tangled up with lots of fine but long branches or offshoots. Not much care has been given to it other than an all over cut back. Should I prune some of these long tangled branches now in Decembe -, some only have leaves at the ends - or should I wait until later in the Spring? Any advice would be fantastic

[@lewisnorden3744]

Maybe wait a little bit longer to make sure that the tree is healthy and adjusted to it's new environment

[@robo123uk]

Would you happen to remember the name of the channel you said gave good advice on keeping indoor bonsai? Would be much appreciated! Great video for a complete bonsai beginner like myself!

[@grobonsai]

I’m afraid not, I personally think they need proper lighting, humidity and air circulation to thrive (as opposed to just surviving) indoors. Growing them indoors isn’t a beginner endeavour in my honest opinion. Outdoors they are incredibly easy!

[@robo123uk]

@@grobonsai I see. Thank you for your quick reply, hopefully I can pick up a few tips from your channel anyway.

[@jillleaberry3459]

I have an unheated lean-to conservatory, where I keep cacti and it suits them very well. It faces east (and south for the first half of the day) Will a chinese elm bonsai tolerate high winter temperatures due to sun through the glass? The cacti do well because I don't water them between October and March, but I doubt the bonsai could tolerate that regime. Should I just keep it indoors?

[@grobonsai]

Un-heated conservatory would be better than indoors, but it will need watering as required by the tree. They do best outdoors (as long as they have been gradually transitioned) to -6 Celsius. I don’t keep any indoors so can’t advise further

[@katrinalouiseh1048]

Just had one delivered today. Bought it for my 18yr old. I've only just ordered the food but also it says will need a spray for things like mites, red spider and other things. Which spray should I get? Also we don't have conservatory or garage or even a garden lol. My daughter wants to keep it in her bedroom. Will this be okies? She's 18 but I have a feeling this is gonna be left for me to look after lol.

[@grobonsai]

Hi, sorry for the delay, I hope you see this in time! You don't need to buy any sprays specifically for the tree. Well, not while the tree doesn't have any pests or diseases. If you went ahead - don't worry, it may come in handy. It's great your daughter has an interest, my eldest lost interest. It should be ok as long as it has enough light. Let me know if you have any queries in future

[@jameslai3131]

I need help on my bonsai tree and I think it’s a Chinese elm. But the leaves are pretty much gone all yellow and fallen... gf got me it a couple months ago. I haven’t resoil it or anything. And I don’t want it to dieeee :( any advice? Or anyway I can send you some pics of my bonsai and maybe you can help me diagnose what’s wrong with it?

[@grobonsai]

Easiest way is probably to DM me in Instagram @grobonsai it could be a few things though, staying too wet, not enough sunlight, change of environment or even just old leaves being dropped. Other possibilities are a fungus called black spot or a parasite called spider mites.

[@northtexasskies3243]

I just bought some chinese elm tree seeds. Im going to try and make a bonsai with them

[@grobonsai]

Best of luck! I propagate chinese elms from cuttings and layers, they are just so easy. I do have some maple and cherry seeds planted though, they grow so fast, being native. Thanks for writing, Justin! Darren

[@carolficorilli9768]

I just got a Chinese Elm from an online Nursery. It is hot and humid out so not sure about putting it out right now. We have gotten Torrential rain today and might tomorrow, so not sure what to do with the plants. I have a patio-no greenhouse, or garage.

[@grobonsai]

Chinese elm are very robust. As long as you can water adequately they can cope with heat. If it gets extremely cold in winter you may have to bring it inside by a window

[@rodschroeder1048]

I new to bonsai. I found a Chinese elm I’d like to buy but sell here in the US said it is a indoor tree and want one for outside, my winters get down to -15f in January is there a difference in Chinese elms or is he just trying to get people to buy that don’t have space outside?

[@grobonsai]

It’s a marketing thing. Chinese elms do best outside. Indoors, they will need supplemental lighting to really thrive. However, your winter temperatures will be too cold, I would say 24F would be the lower limit. I would recommend winter protection, keeping it below 50f will be best. An unheated garage or cold basement.

[@seeweedstudios333]

Can they happily live indoors in the UK I am unable too ceep my tree outside and I have yet to get my tree I am doing research and I think chinese elm will be the best first tree for me

[@luigiluigi2098]

They can be kept indoors, obviously they're easier outdoors. They can nonetheless be kept successfully indoors. Cool room, right on a windowsill,. Open window as often as can. Drip tray for moisture. Feed 7-10 days in growing season. In winter they'll be partial deciduous even in a home. Best of luck! Ficus Retusa might be easier if you're totally new and want an indoor tree.

[@Tututu311]

Hi Sid, I just bought a chinese elm at the freshers fair. I hope it will keep me company. I notice mine is producing yellow leaves frequently, some leaves have brown lines and some even have holes. There are also multiple roots growing from the trunk. Does this mean it's trying to find nutrients and is under-nourished? Hope to hear from you soon x

[@grobonsai]

I’d need to see a pic as it’s not clear from the description what’s happening. Can you DM me a pic on Instagram?

[@bananamilk6155]

Uswah Hafizal you should probably check for aphids or mites

[@howiehowie-tt1pk]

Thanks so much for this video, so much information I can use

[@grobonsai]

You’re welcome!

[@zimmy1958]

Thanks

[@Kwood10]

Hi great video . I’d like to get a greenhouse like yours .

[@Rizkytani07]

Nice bonsai

[@carolficorilli9768]

Do you use akadama as your soil?

[@jacobmoonsammy5171]

I live in Arizona so are climate is very dry year round if I leave it outside should I do anything special like putting a tray of water underneath the pot or something?

[@Kwood10]

Yes put a humidity tray underneath

[@jonnecleef5548]

I have Chinese elm for 2 years now, i always kept it inside and it is growing well. Is it a problem for long term if they not go dorment?.

[@grobonsai]

It’s ok for Chinese elm. The challenge is giving enough light to sustain their high energy requirement, especially in winter when the sun is not so strong

[@Rupert88888]

Hi, I was wondering whether to leave my Chinese Elm outside during the day in a pop up plastic cover over the winter period and then put into my garage overnight. Might be a stupid question, but do these trees like to be left alone, or don't they mind being moved?

[@grobonsai]

Hi sorry for the delay. During dormancy moving them about is ok, better to maintain suitable conditions by moving frequently, than leaving them in unfavourable conditions. Elm bonsai are good to -6 celsius / 21 Fahrenheit as long as they acclimated.

[@fernandosanfranciscoca9278]

I live in hollister California we dont really get below 30's during winter , do you think i still need to put my bonsai in a shed or so During winter? Or they can stay outside.?

[@grobonsai]

Definitely not, keep it outside all year, maybe some shade in summer heat 👍

[@sgtjenko]

Great video and useful information. I grow lots of plants indoors and purchased one of these plants today.. I will repot in Spring as you mentioned - What soil would you recommend - Akadama?

[@grobonsai]

I'm really glad the video was useful! Akadama would be a great choice, if you can get it in your area. Akadama can vary in quality, if possible a reputable bonsai supplier would be the best bet. Particle size of 2-4mm (1/16th - 1/8th inch) is my preference. Best of luck!

[@wieslawapisarska-grabowska9048]

I am beginning in bonsai. So if you can tell me some tips how during winter I have to keep them. I live in England

[@grobonsai]

Hi, was the tree outside at the garden centre? If yes, it can stay in your garden for winter. If it was inside the garden centre, it may be wise to keep it in a light, cool room away from heating. Then in Spring it can go outside all year

[@stepheneurosailor1623]

Appreciated.👍

[@nashvlbees]

I'm thinking about getting a Chinese elm and am concerned about keeping it outside in winter. Where I live the average winter temp is around 25 degrees f at night and can dip to 10 for a day or two. I'm thinking about leaving it in the garage, where it never gets below 35. Do you think 25 is to cold to leave outside?

[@grobonsai]

25f or -4C ish is ok provided the tree is given plenty of time to acclimatise. To put a tree straight outside when it has been kept protected will shock it. I guess 10f is going to be a bit risky even for a winter hardened elm bonsai, but I have never experienced that kind of cold in my garden. Some protection sounds sensible to me. Best keep it near a window as natural light is important even when/if the tree has dropped its foliage.

[@SidsTrees]

Welcome to the KZbin bonsai community. Cheers. Sid

[@grobonsai]

Thanks Sid, it’s fun!

[@niallreid8853]

I have a Chinese Elm, the leafs have curled up but are still green, what do you recommend?

[@grobonsai]

Niall Reid if you can, send a close up picture to me either email grobonsai (at) gmail (dot) com or on Instagram @grobonsai Or Facebook grobonsai I’ll have a look. But it’s not something I’ve experienced on elm before

[@wieslawapisarska-grabowska9048]

Hi today I was bought elm China bonsai very small in garden centre. I lamgoingtochange the soil and my question is should I live this Elm aoutside. I live in West Sussex.

[@sadoldgit313]

Yes!

[@grobonsai]

Yes you can, sorry for the delay

[@howiehowie-tt1pk]

One question, did you ever have a problem with little aphids on the elm that attract ants?

[@grobonsai]

Yes, although I think it’s surprisingly the other way around - the ants farm the aphids 😄 I prefer not to use insecticide as I don’t like to upset natures balance - I prefer to encourage natural predators (or I squish the aphids). The ants will bring them back regardless. As long as the tree is healthy that is. If the tree is not healthy then I will reluctantly spray with a systemic insecticide.

[@howiehowie-tt1pk]

Thanks so much! I agree let nature take it's course

[@ivonnellanos7599]

Hi, thank you for the video. my friend gave me a Chinese elm bonsai as gift in April. I have kept it inside, as I did not know it was an outside tree and it was doing ok. However it lost all its leave one month ago and not sure if that is normal or it is dead :( . I Live in the Uk (London) and I do not have any cold place inside the house to keep it, at the moment is away for the heaters and near window. I do have a garden, but not shelter for it. How can I know that the tree is not dead ? and if it is not dead, how long will be the dormancy state ? Shall I put it outside in the garden, under some trees to protect from the winds and rain?. I would appreciate any advise, thank you.

[@grobonsai]

Hi, feel free to send me a picture of the tree, Instagram DM (search grobonsai) or email grobonsai(at)gmail.com I’ll have a look and see what might be happening

[@michaelrussell220]

Strictly speaking an Elm is an Ulmus. So is it that you're talking about or a Zelkova?

[@grobonsai]

Ulmus parvifolia

[@ethanwright8315]

Is the first one a shohin Chinese elm or regular?

[@grobonsai]

Hi, 'shohin' refers to a size category in bonsai exhibitions. It is generally somewhere around 8 inches from the top of the pot. So both of the elms in this video would be classed as shohin. Hope that helps, Darren

[@randomness4259]

I’ve just recently bought this elm bonsai from a nursery and it pretty much looks exactly the same as the elm on the left! Does the trunk of the tree naturally bend or curl over time or does it require shaping through wires?

[@grobonsai]

They can be bent before they are too thick, or grown into the shape. But what you have is a more natural form of bonsai, called ‘broom’ form, that many prefer over the S shaped trees.

[@circaeternity]

❤

[@lawvos1]

I can't find the link to the indoors video?

[@grobonsai]

I’m afraid the video no longer exists, however there is a good Facebook group called Indoor Bonsai International

[@DiesesMax]

cheers mate

[@grobonsai]

Cheers my friend

[@suryjoni]

hey. the trank of my elm is very white. does it mean anything?

[@grobonsai]

It’s difficult to tell without a photo, it could be that the elm naturally has a grey bark compared to the more brown of some others. It could be a build up of minerals from tap water. If you want to send me a photo I’ll have a look, DM me on Instagram @grobonsai

[@petlove2171]

The soft thing is not soil it’s coir pith

[@kael13]

Appreciated but a bit rambly and slow. Needs some editing.

[@grobonsai]

It was my first time in front of camera, filming and editing. I’m not a pro but things have improved since 😊 Still, this is all a hobby so we’re never going to be Bonsai Releaf (freelance videographer) or Bonsai Mirai (a whole production team)

[@BlySS93]

Well I'm fucked with my -18 winters and windy dry mountain winters. And my North facing apartment.

[@grobonsai]

Maybe investigate a grow light and tropical species to keep indoors... people do have some success but I’ve not tried 🙂

[@BlySS93]

@@grobonsai I can tell my Elm is struggling, but I don't know how to help it. The place with he most light is my widow, and under it is a radiator. In the other parts of the apartment is pretty dark and still not colder than 20 degrees C. Weird thing is the Palm I have seems to like the dark and warm in the winter and in the Summer it goes wild. And it's a tropical plant. While the elm is being tortured by the looks of it.

[@grobonsai]

They are semi-tropical but still very difficult indoors from all the advice I’ve heard.

[@CookieGTAS]

“I have pushed all the stones off the top. Now I am touching soil. This tells me that this is soil and not stones”. Seriously?

[@grobonsai]

I have read your comment. This tells me that this is a comment and not stones.

[@joshkirby2372]

He means, pushing down you can tell whether or not there are stones all throughout or not.

[@CookieGTAS]

Kevin Thanks for replying to a comment more than a year old. It’s not my fault if the video was lacking good detail

[@stevenvitali7404]

Lol !

[@ossy3074]

Waste of money and time with this tree. You are literally better off getting any other kind of bonsai.