The Popular Chinese Elm Bonsai
Chinese Elm Bonsai
Chinese Elm bonsai are among the most popular of all bonsai plants. Along with maple, juniper, and pine, the Chinese elm is one of the most frequently chosen for bonsai. The tree is native to several eastern Asian countries which includes northern China, Korea, Mongolia, and India. They are a fairly easy tree to grow, it has a predictable growth structure, and is forgiving of the beginner bonsai artist that is learning the methods of bonsai. The Chinese elm is a hardy, deciduous tree when grown outdoors, or it can also be an evergreen when grown inside. When growing in the wild these types of trees can attain a height of up to 60 feet.
The Chinese elm is a captivating plant as a bonsai because it has small leaves, a preferred attribute in bonsai. The leaves are darkish green in color and shiny, have a leathery appearance, and have a somewhat blunt serrated edge. Depending on the variety of the tree they could have a smooth or a rough, cork-like bark. The smoother the bark, the less hardy the tree.
The Chinese elm is tolerant and adaptable to a lot of different climates and environments, however they’re not going to do well in extreme environments of either hot or cold. Chinese elm may be raised either outdoors or indoors, and can flourish in either situation. They will do very well both in full sunlight or partial shade. If a shady location is selected make certain that the plants continues to get a decent amount of light. If grown inside your home provide sufficient levels of humidity and light. Inadequate humidity and low light levels will eventually kill them. Although Chinese elm can tolerate full sun, they can dry out quickly so be sure to keep them watered (but don’t over water). The soil should be kept moderately moist year-round, but never soggy.
The Chinese elm is a relatively low-maintenance tree. It is prone to root rot if the plant’s roots are allowed to remain in excessively soggy soil. They are a slow growing tree and with a fairly predictable growth pattern and rate of growth. If the tree is grown indoors give it a frequent misting to keep up the humidity level. Misting is particularly important after the plant has been root-pruned and repotted because the leaves are able to absorb enough water to live on until the roots have recovered and are able to supply the tree with water.
The Chinese Elm’s popularity as a bonsai is due also to the fact that the plant can be trained for almost all of the classic as well as informal styles of bonsai. They are particularly well suited and show beautifully in the cascade (kengai) or semi-cascade (han-kengai) styles. Chinese elm will also display well using the informal upright (moyogi), twin trunk (sokan), or broom (hokidachi).
Chinese elm will put on a beautiful display of color in the autumn. They will begin to lose their leaves when the temperature begins to fall and and go into a state of dormancy during the winter months of cold and low light levels. Hard frosts can damage the Chinese elm so care should be taken to protect the plants from frost. Continue to check the soil regularly during the winter and if it feels dry go ahead and give it some water – but don’t overdo it.
The Chinese elm makes a fantastic bonsai. It is a hardy plant and it is easy to grow, prune, and train. It is an excellent choice of tree for the beginner, and if you take good care of your Chinese Elm bonsai you will be very pleased as the tree continues to grow more beautiful with each passing season.
