Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia)

The Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) is a tree from China and all of Southeast Asia. It is often confused with the Zelkova due to the similarity of its leaves. The difference is that the Elm leaf is doubly serrated while the Zelkova’s is only singly serrated.

In its natural habitat, the Chinese Elm can reach 25 meters in height and 1 meter in diameter. Even with these dimensions, the Chinese Elm generates very fine branching with small leaves, which makes it very good for growing as a bonsai. It is surely one of the most widespread species.

Chinese Elm Bonsai Care Guide

Watering

It appreciates generous amounts of water, but let the substrate dry out between waterings, as it does not tolerate constant waterlogging. It does not tolerate drought well.

Sun

They need to have a minimum of several hours of direct sunlight per day. Otherwise, the tree will seek light by sending out long shoots and considerably increasing the size of its leaves.

Temperature

It withstands heat perfectly, and frosts as long as it has a full canopy of leaves to protect it. A frost can burn the leaves, causing them to fall. If the winters in the area are cold, it is best to keep it indoors in a cold room.

Fertilizing

It is one of the few trees that should be fertilized throughout the year when it is sprouting. If the tree is not sprouting, we must stop fertilizing.

Pruning

It allows for drastic pruning that will have to be done often as it has strong growth. The ideal is to let 4 leaves grow and cut back to 1 or 2, this way we will improve the ramification. If you want the trunk to thicken, you have to let the shoots grow.

It is a tree that sprouts easily from the trunk.

Wiring

It can be wired without any problem, but you have to be careful because due to its rapid growth, it can easily swallow the wire or leave marks.

Repotting

The best time to repot it is when the tree is not sprouting, which is usually at the beginning of spring. It allows a total change of the substrate without problems, and also drastic root pruning.

We cannot space out the repotting too much as the roots grow quickly. Pay close attention to when the substrate begins to come out of the pot; it means that the roots are pushing from below, so it is time to repot.

Substrate

It is not demanding with the substrate, but 70% akadama and 30% of kiryuzuna will be perfect for it.

Propagation

Both by cuttings and by air layering are good methods, although it is not one of the easiest species to root. By seed is even more complicated.

Pests and diseases

• Whitefly
• Mites
• Scale insects
• Green aphid
• Limpet scale