Indoor bonsai trees travel best when night temperatures are above 50 degrees in states between Mississippi and delivery address. See "Shipping & Returns"
Native to East Asia, Chinese Elm Bonsai Trees (Ulmus parvifolia), also known as Lacebark Elm Trees, are very popular bonsai trees for beginners. These lovely decidious trees can grow up to 65 feet tall in their native habitat, but have been cultivated in miniature form as Bonsai for generations. As the Chinese Elm is slow-growing and tolerant, this bonsai species allows beginners plenty of time and forgiveness to grow accustomed to bonsai care, making it one of the most loved and most undemanding of bonsai plant varieties. This outdoor bonsai tree will thrive outdoors in temperatures as low as 20 degrees F, with protection. The Chinese Elm bonsai features a beautiful, distinctive dark gray to reddish brown bark that will fissure and appear corky when mature. It has a lovely branching shape with delicate, oval-shaped toothed leaves—showcasing a fresh green color and a delightfully tiny leaf. It has a highly predictable growth pattern, great for those learning how to train bonsai. Each elm bonsai tree has been meticulously trained by our partner nursery in China, and has been nurtured and shaped in our Mississippi nursery. Your live bonsai tree will ship in a beautiful ceramic bonsai pot, curated by our teams to balance the natural beauty of the tree. Bonsai pots will vary in color and style, so every Brussel's Bonsai tree is unique. Ideally, paired with 13" humidity tray for optimal growth.
Native to East Asia, Chinese Elm Bonsai Trees (Ulmus parvifolia), also known as Lacebark Elm Trees, are very popular bonsai trees for beginners. These lovely decidious trees can grow up to 65 feet tall in their native habitat, but have been cultivated in miniature form as Bonsai for generations. As the Chinese Elm is slow-growing and tolerant, this bonsai species allows beginners plenty of time and forgiveness to grow accustomed to bonsai care, making it one of the most loved and most undemanding of bonsai plant varieties. This outdoor bonsai tree will thrive outdoors in temperatures as low as 20 degrees F, with protection. The Chinese Elm bonsai features a beautiful, distinctive dark gray to reddish brown bark that will fissure and appear corky when mature. It has a lovely branching shape with delicate, oval-shaped toothed leaves—showcasing a fresh green color and a delightfully tiny leaf. It has a highly predictable growth pattern, great for those learning how to train bonsai. Each elm bonsai tree has been meticulously trained by our partner nursery in China, and has been nurtured and shaped in our Mississippi nursery. Your live bonsai tree will ship in a beautiful ceramic bonsai pot, curated by our teams to balance the natural beauty of the tree. Bonsai pots will vary in color and style, so every Brussel's Bonsai tree is unique. Ideally, paired with 13" humidity tray for optimal growth.
OUTDOOR BONSAI
Outdoor bonsai include evergreen varieties like pines and junipers as well as deciduous
varieties like maples and elms. All outdoor bonsai are hardy and require seasonal change. Upon receiving your
bonsai, it is best to acclimate it in a shady area for one week. All outdoor bonsai prefer morning sun and
afternoon shade. Patios, decks and balconies are great areas to display your bonsai during the growing season.
Outdoor bonsai can be displayed indoors, but only for short periods of time. You should never leave your bonsai
inside for more than five days.
WATERING PROPERLY
Watering properly is critical to maintaining a
healthy bonsai! Outdoor bonsai are watered according to the season. Outdoor bonsai should be watered daily in
the spring, summer and fall. In the winter you will not need to water as frequently. However, you should never
let your bonsai’s soil dry out. Water your bonsai properly by using a watering can or hose attachment that has a
fine-spray nozzle. You should thoroughly soak your bonsai’s soil. Water should be running out of the drain
holes. Misting foliage periodically is recommended, but should not be considered watering. General care is also
important to maintaining a beautiful bonsai. Bonsai should be periodically trimmed to keep their miniature
shape. To best understand trimming and wiring techniques, we recommend purchasing an instructional book.
REPOTTING
Your bonsai will need to be repotted every four to five years. It is necessary to repot your
bonsai when its root system becomes pot bound. Repotting outdoor bonsai should be done before new growth appears
during late winter or early spring. Make sure you are using a good bonsai soil when repotting since regular
potting soil will compact and inhibit proper drainage. We recommend waiting at least one growing season before
repotting your bonsai to make sure it is well established.
FERTILIZING
Fertilizing bonsai is required.
Most water-soluble and time-released fertilizers work very well when used as directed. We recommend using
slow-releasing organic fertilizers for more mature specimen bonsai.
INSECTS & DISEASES
Insects and
diseases can attack bonsai just like any other plant. Inspect your bonsai regularly. A brisk spraying of the
trunk and foliage periodically will help keep your tree clean. If any problems appear, most garden centers have
products available for treatment.
WINTER CARE
Outdoor bonsai need to experience winter dormancy and
should remain outdoors in the winter. Nevertheless, the root systems of outdoor bonsai need protection from
extreme winter weather. You should “Heel-In” your bonsai by covering the pot and soil with pine needles or mulch
when temperatures approach freezing. We also recommend protecting your bonsai from extremely cold winds by
placing it against the south side of your house. In areas that have extremely cold winters, bonsai can be
protected in garages, sheds, cold frames or basements. Contact a local bonsai club for more advice.
OUTDOOR BONSAI
Outdoor bonsai include evergreen varieties like pines and junipers as well as deciduous
varieties like maples and elms. All outdoor bonsai are hardy and require seasonal change. Upon receiving your
bonsai, it is best to acclimate it in a shady area for one week. All outdoor bonsai prefer morning sun and
afternoon shade. Patios, decks and balconies are great areas to display your bonsai during the growing season.
Outdoor bonsai can be displayed indoors, but only for short periods of time. You should never leave your bonsai
inside for more than five days.
WATERING PROPERLY
Watering properly is critical to maintaining a
healthy bonsai! Outdoor bonsai are watered according to the season. Outdoor bonsai should be watered daily in
the spring, summer and fall. In the winter you will not need to water as frequently. However, you should never
let your bonsai’s soil dry out. Water your bonsai properly by using a watering can or hose attachment that has a
fine-spray nozzle. You should thoroughly soak your bonsai’s soil. Water should be running out of the drain
holes. Misting foliage periodically is recommended, but should not be considered watering. General care is also
important to maintaining a beautiful bonsai. Bonsai should be periodically trimmed to keep their miniature
shape. To best understand trimming and wiring techniques, we recommend purchasing an instructional book.
REPOTTING
Your bonsai will need to be repotted every four to five years. It is necessary to repot your
bonsai when its root system becomes pot bound. Repotting outdoor bonsai should be done before new growth appears
during late winter or early spring. Make sure you are using a good bonsai soil when repotting since regular
potting soil will compact and inhibit proper drainage. We recommend waiting at least one growing season before
repotting your bonsai to make sure it is well established.
FERTILIZING
Fertilizing bonsai is required.
Most water-soluble and time-released fertilizers work very well when used as directed. We recommend using
slow-releasing organic fertilizers for more mature specimen bonsai.
INSECTS & DISEASES
Insects and
diseases can attack bonsai just like any other plant. Inspect your bonsai regularly. A brisk spraying of the
trunk and foliage periodically will help keep your tree clean. If any problems appear, most garden centers have
products available for treatment.
WINTER CARE
Outdoor bonsai need to experience winter dormancy and
should remain outdoors in the winter. Nevertheless, the root systems of outdoor bonsai need protection from
extreme winter weather. You should “Heel-In” your bonsai by covering the pot and soil with pine needles or mulch
when temperatures approach freezing. We also recommend protecting your bonsai from extremely cold winds by
placing it against the south side of your house. In areas that have extremely cold winters, bonsai can be
protected in garages, sheds, cold frames or basements. Contact a local bonsai club for more advice.
SHIP WITH CONFIDENCE
Rest assured that your tree will reach its destination well hydrated and securely packed. The base of
each tree is wrapped in plastic to retain moisture and to prevent any topsoil from spilling during
shipment. Trees are wired to the pot, placed inside a double-walled carton for protection and secured
with proprietary packing systems to keep them from shifting during transit.
SHIPPING OPTIONS
FedEx Ground
Free Shipping on orders $49 and above
Orders under $49 ship for only $11.95
Deliveries to West Coast addresses (West of the Rocky Mountains) will arrive in
4-6 business days (see map below)
Orders sent to the rest of the country will arrive in 1-4 business days (see map below)
FedEx Express Saver (Guaranteed 3-Day Delivery)
Standard FedEx rate
Calculated at checkout
FedEx Standard Overnight (Guaranteed Next Business Day by 3pm)
Standard FedEx rate
Calculated at checkout
SHIP WITH CONFIDENCE
Rest assured that your tree will reach its destination well hydrated and securely packed. The base of
each tree is wrapped in plastic to retain moisture and to prevent any topsoil from spilling during
shipment. Trees are wired to the pot, placed inside a double-walled carton for protection and secured
with proprietary packing systems to keep them from shifting during transit.
SHIPPING OPTIONS
FedEx Ground
Free Shipping on orders $49 and above
Orders under $49 ship for only $11.95
Deliveries to West Coast addresses (West of the Rocky Mountains) will arrive in
4-6 business days (see map below)
Orders sent to the rest of the country will arrive in 1-4 business days (see map below)
FedEx Express Saver (Guaranteed 3-Day Delivery)
Standard FedEx rate
Calculated at checkout
FedEx Standard Overnight (Guaranteed Next Business Day by 3pm)
Standard FedEx rate
Calculated at checkout
Your bonsai tree has been grown in a state-of-the-art greenhouse under precisely controlled conditions to
achieve optimum health. Your order will be carefully wrapped in a custom
designed shipping carton and delivered with detailed care instructions. If, for any reason you are not
completely satisfied with your tree or with our service, please notify us within 30 days of receipt. We will
correct the situation to your satisfaction.
Your bonsai tree has been grown in a state-of-the-art greenhouse under precisely controlled conditions to
achieve optimum health. Your order will be carefully wrapped in a custom
designed shipping carton and delivered with detailed care instructions. If, for any reason you are not
completely satisfied with your tree or with our service, please notify us within 30 days of receipt. We will
correct the situation to your satisfaction.
The Chinese Elm I just purchased is beautiful! It was expertly packaged to protect the tree and container.
5/5
MattFeb 3rd 2026
Great Bonsai!
Exactly 18” My elm arrived dormant, can’t wait for new growth in the spring! Purchase this bonsai Immediately!!!! You won’t be let down!
5/5
AlJan 8th 2026
Wonderful tree
I have 9 trees that I’ve purchased from Brussels and they were all perfect. I purchased all but one in the spring and summer. However, I could not pass up the beautiful 14 year old elm. I purchased it December 15 and the temps were sub zero. When I received the plant it was frozen and all ready losing leaves as it was semi dormant. Obviously I kept it indoors and it started to recover immediately. Lost all its leaves but the new buds started to swell with in about 7 to 10.days.Today is January 9th and all ready has new shoots about 2 inches and is leafing beautifully. Look’s better than the picture. I will assimilate it in spring and probably keep it in my cold frame next winter with the other outdoor Bonsai. Thank you Brussels for a very healthy elm
5/5
Angel Alers Dec 12th 2025
My recently new ELM
Like always the tree package was very well prepared, it is what I expected when getting this one , so far I’m pleased with BRUSSELS, and looking forward to expand my collection.
5/5
EllaDec 14th 2024
Tree is gorgeous
The tree came very quickly and looks even better than the picture. I bought it for my dad and it is all of our first times owning a bonsai tree so we will see how it holds up.
5/5
BraddJun 28th 2024
Chinese Elm, 12"
Real happy with the specimen Chinese Elm. It says 12-18" and it was 12". Great thick stump with good Nebari and it does look like it has 15 years of growth.
Super happy with Brussel's / 'Lisa's' customer service too. The Bonsai arrived with a broken Pot from shipping, what's new. I call I explained and I had a new plant pot in three days. They through in a bag of Bonsai Soil as a perk for the inconvenience. Little things like that matter - Thanks a ton Lisa
Bradd
4/5
ScottJun 20th 2024
Chinese Elm, 12-18"
Healthy tree. Way short of the desired 12-18" though.
5/5
Diane Moga-RoachApr 1st 2022
Chinese Elm
Received a beautiful tree. It was well packaged. It’s now been a couple of weeks & it’s only lost a couple of handfuls of leaves. I will definitely order from Brussels again!
5/5
James S. MacDonnellFeb 24th 2022
chinese elm bonsai
i received the outdoor chinese elm bonsai tree and it was a gift for my wife. we love the tree. it is so cool looking. it arrived quickly and boxed very well. thanks again
5/5
EnricoSep 17th 2021
Chinese Elm Bonsai
The Chinese Elm bonsai I received is beautiful, with a bent trunk and trained branches. I was packaged very secure and came quickly. I Highly recommend Brussel’s Bonsai.
The Chinese Elm I just purchased is beautiful! It was expertly packaged to protect the tree and container.
5/5
MattFeb 3rd 2026
Great Bonsai!
Exactly 18” My elm arrived dormant, can’t wait for new growth in the spring! Purchase this bonsai Immediately!!!! You won’t be let down!
5/5
AlJan 8th 2026
Wonderful tree
I have 9 trees that I’ve purchased from Brussels and they were all perfect. I purchased all but one in the spring and summer. However, I could not pass up the beautiful 14 year old elm. I purchased it December 15 and the temps were sub zero. When I received the plant it was frozen and all ready losing leaves as it was semi dormant. Obviously I kept it indoors and it started to recover immediately. Lost all its leaves but the new buds started to swell with in about 7 to 10.days.Today is January 9th and all ready has new shoots about 2 inches and is leafing beautifully. Look’s better than the picture. I will assimilate it in spring and probably keep it in my cold frame next winter with the other outdoor Bonsai. Thank you Brussels for a very healthy elm
5/5
Angel Alers Dec 12th 2025
My recently new ELM
Like always the tree package was very well prepared, it is what I expected when getting this one , so far I’m pleased with BRUSSELS, and looking forward to expand my collection.
5/5
EllaDec 14th 2024
Tree is gorgeous
The tree came very quickly and looks even better than the picture. I bought it for my dad and it is all of our first times owning a bonsai tree so we will see how it holds up.
5/5
BraddJun 28th 2024
Chinese Elm, 12"
Real happy with the specimen Chinese Elm. It says 12-18" and it was 12". Great thick stump with good Nebari and it does look like it has 15 years of growth.
Super happy with Brussel's / 'Lisa's' customer service too. The Bonsai arrived with a broken Pot from shipping, what's new. I call I explained and I had a new plant pot in three days. They through in a bag of Bonsai Soil as a perk for the inconvenience. Little things like that matter - Thanks a ton Lisa
Bradd
4/5
ScottJun 20th 2024
Chinese Elm, 12-18"
Healthy tree. Way short of the desired 12-18" though.
5/5
Diane Moga-RoachApr 1st 2022
Chinese Elm
Received a beautiful tree. It was well packaged. It’s now been a couple of weeks & it’s only lost a couple of handfuls of leaves. I will definitely order from Brussels again!
5/5
James S. MacDonnellFeb 24th 2022
chinese elm bonsai
i received the outdoor chinese elm bonsai tree and it was a gift for my wife. we love the tree. it is so cool looking. it arrived quickly and boxed very well. thanks again
5/5
EnricoSep 17th 2021
Chinese Elm Bonsai
The Chinese Elm bonsai I received is beautiful, with a bent trunk and trained branches. I was packaged very secure and came quickly. I Highly recommend Brussel’s Bonsai.