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 8" 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.

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