Ulmus species/ ElmSpecies Guide
Chinese Elm /Ulmus parvifolia is one of the most frequently used species for bonsai, however all Ulmus species are extremely useful for bonsai.
Ease of Cultivation 9/10 Suitablity and Ease for Bonsai Styling 9/10
Position Preferably outdoor tree only. Chinese Elms will tolerate indoor cultivation (bright cool position) but are also frost hardy to at least -10°C. All other Elm species should be kept outside only.
Repotting In Spring as buds extend annually. Elms have very strong and vigorous rootsystems that need frequent rootpruning. Rootbound Elms will grow poorly.
Pruning Allow shoots to extend 3 or 4 nodes then prune back to 1 or 2 leaves as required.
Propagation Sow seed outdoors in Autumn or Spring. Greenwood cuttings in Summer. Hardwood cuttings in Winter. Air-layering after spring growth has hardened.
Pests and diseases Elm bonsai are not affected by Dutch Elm Disease. Watch for aphids, leaf spot, leafhoppers and gall mites
For more detailed information please visit the main Bonsai4me.com website (not mobi)
Copyright © 2006 Bonsai4me and Harry Harrington.