Chinese Elms are deciduous trees with leaves and fine twigging on their secondary branches. These trees are imported from Chinese nurseries where the branches have been painstakingly trained for years. Chinese Elm trees are durable and while preferring outdoor settings; can be displayed indoors for weeks at a time without ill effects. Thrives outdoors above 20 degrees with protection; see Bonsai Care. Ideal with 11 Humidity Tray. Container color and shape varies
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.
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)
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.
This was well packaged and arrived quickly. My disappointment lies in the fact that I purchased the same tree in 2021 but somehow it did not survive this past winter. This replacement purchase is significantly smaller and not nearly as beautiful as the previous one and cost a lot more. Not sure why the first one died but second try hopefully this will make it
3/5
Edward MaiettaOct 21st 2021
Should I be Worried?
She's real pretty, but she has many dead leaves. So I ain't sure whether to be happy or mournful.
5/5
FranOct 1st 2021
Chinese Elm
My tree arrived and was very carefully packaged- it looked great, has adjusted well and now is outside weathering the elements with the best of them! I am very pleased with this purchase!
5/5
William HawkinsJul 30th 2021
Chinese Elm
Prompt delivery, packaged well, healthy, and exactly as described and pictured. We were surprised given all of the bad press about ordering online and unable to see what you will be receiving. Then, we received a follow-up to make sure all was in order and we were pleased, and today a download pamphlet on Bonsai care. Brussel's Bonsai is in our address contacts and our go-to for supplies and trees.
5/5
Peter DuganApr 9th 2021
Chinese Elm
This tree arrived well-packed and healthy. Given that I am located in the north and it is still a bit cold I bring the tree in at night to avoid freezing and near freezing temperatures. The tree seems to be thriving.
5/5
Phillip AngellMar 12th 2021
Beautiful tree
This bonsai came well packaged alive and very healthy as well as it arrived fast it was better than expected highly recommend
5/5
Lowell JohnsonDec 11th 2020
Chinese Elm
It arrived in good condition, was packed well. New packing method without peanuts was welcomed. The plant had an even better shape and size than I expected. I know I will enjoy caring for this elm.
5/5
Jim MarrierJun 10th 2020
Chinese Elm
It was larger than expected which was a pleasant surprise. The plant was very healthy. I had not ordered for awhile and I.m extremely happy that you stopped using the packing peanuts, they were such a major nuisance.
5/5
James RDec 2nd 2019
Chinese elm
I was so happy with the 12 year old Chinese elm I purchased from you that I ordered this 8 year old.It is a great looking tree and arrived in very healthy condition. Thanks again Brussels !
2/5
Norman M.May 3rd 2019
Disappointed
Both trees were so root bound, water ran off, nor would absorb when placed in a basin. Plant substrate was all gone, just roots.
Don’t do as I do, do as say applies here. Don’t believe their hype is what I am left with in this experience. When I told them about a problem, the first response was to attack me.