Chinese Elm Bonsai is probably the most common bonsai trees amongst the Bonsai genus. It is a miniature tree with semi-green leaves that can grow up to 70 feet tall when it is in its natural habitat.
Fertilizing: Fertilize your Chinese Elm bonsai once every two weeks during the growing season (spring through fall) with a bonsai-specific or organic fertilizer Pruning / Training: Pruning is necessary to maintain the right shape of your bonsai and also to encourage new growth. That means removing small branches, buds, and new shoots.. Chinese Elm trees are ideal for beginners because their branches can be pruned all year and doing well when new shoots are allowed to develop eight leaf pairs, and then trimmed back to two or three. Wiring your Chinese Elm can be done to branches at all times throughout the year, but only do the shoots once they have become slightly woody. The Chinese elm is beautifully suited to the classical umbrella shape but can be shaped in most other styles with proper pruning alone. Insects / Pests: Bonsai are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as common house plants. The best defense is to keep your tree clean and healthy. Keeping the leaves free from dust will allow proper circulation in your tree. If you notice any abnormal leaf drop, stickiness to the foliage, or visible insects, you need to treat the problem promptly.
Propagation: The fastest way to propagate the Chinese Elm is with 6 inch cuttings taken with sharp, clean scissors in the summer. Place in a glass of water and roots will soon develop. Repot rooted cutting in a quality bonsai soil or a mixture of 2 parts loam, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part sand. Repotting: Chinese Elms will need to be repotted approximately every two years in the early spring. Sometimes Chinese Elms do not react well to extreme root pruning, so avoid pruning the roots too far back when repotting. After repotting, water thoroughly and keep the plant in a shady location for several weeks in order to help the new roots grow. Additional Comments: This tree will tolerate all kinds of mistakes, such as over watering, under watering, or temperature changes. As one more point of interest, Bonsai, like people and animals, are sensitive to the effects of second hand smoke and will be healthier in a smoke free environment, just as you will enjoy cleaner air as your bonsai radiates its life giving oxygen to your home.