Bonsai Trees

While the Japanese art of bonsai has been around for over a thousand years, Western cultures have only gained appreciation for it in the past few centuries.

One of the things that are not commonly known, is the sheer amount of different types of bonsai trees.

One such tree is the Chinese Elm Bonsai.

The Chinese Elm bonsai is considered one of the best trees available for someone new to the bonsai arts due to its hardy nature. It originated in East Asia where it, if grown outside, can reach up to sixty feet tall. It is characterized by its small, dark green, serrated leaves and dark grey bark often mottled with cream and red coloring.

Some advantages of this type of bonsai...

The Chinese Elm can develop twiggy branches which are considered a positive for bonsai as it lends itself to easier and more creative pruning. Another advantage is the fact that unlike other elm bonsais, the Chinese Elm is not prone to Dutch Elm disease. The growth pattern also tends to be predictable and slow, allowing beginners time to hone their craft. Like all bonsai trees, learning to take care of a Chinese Elm does take time to perfect and requires patience.

One of the main benefits of bonsai toted by practitioners is a sense of calm and meditation. The fact that you cannot rush the care of the Chinese Elm bonsai lends itself nicely to that practice.

Should You Keep It Outdoors or Indoors?

The first consideration is whether or not your bonsai will be primarily indoors or outdoors. The Chinese Elm is hardy enough for the outdoors but adjustments in care must be made depending on weather changes. Also, be sure that repotting is done during the spring months, a month or so before or after you have pruned the tree.

Bonsai Watering

These precautions should cut down on shock. One of the easiest mistakes to make is over or under watering your bonsai. The Chinese Elm requires moderate watering throughout the year, keeping the tree moist at all times. The soil should never be allowed to completely dry out but too much water can lead to root rot. You must check the soil every day in different spots to check the level of moisture in the soil.

The Chinese Elm will thrive if you give it regular feedings of mild organic fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) in pellet or liquid form with less nitrogen used in the fall. Pellets can be applied once a month and the liquid every two weeks, slowing this down during the slower growing seasons. If the bonsai is in winter dormancy there is no need to feed it.

Chinese Elms are prone to a fungal disease called black spot that appears on the leaves and must be treated with a spray fungicide and monitored afterwards in case the fungus returns. Pruning must be done more often when the Chinese Elm is growing rapidly and a good rule of thumb is to let two to three sets of new leaves grow in and then trim it back to one or two. Moderation and consistency are key in the care of the Chinese Elm bonsai and the benefits to this discipline can be far reaching.

This is an excellent choice to begin your bonsai journey or to add to your collection.