chinese elm...where to go?

bonsai_monk · Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 6:30 pm Post subject: chinese elm...where to go?

He-ya all, I'm new to bonsai. I have recently brought a Chinese elm, it is quite young. I keep it on a window sill, with a south facing window, it gets plenty of ventilation and light. I have really no idea where I want to go with it, attempt a broom style or informal upright style, root over rock. Or as I'm new to this art should I keep pruning and letting it grow for a few years. I'm just completely clueless, Ive been looking at lots of sites at the styles , what to do? Confused

Dick · Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 6:38 pm Post subject: Re: chinese elm...where to go?

Is your tree already potted up as a bonsai? If yes, then you already have something to work with.

I would suggest that you do some reading. Perhaps your local library might be a good place to start. It will be good to familiarize yourself a little more with the hobby before you progress.

Good luck

Stymie · Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 11:14 pm Post subject: Re: chinese elm...where to go?

BM, as you're in the UK, my first advice is to get your Elm outside. Secondly, keep the compost evenly moist at all times, not letting it get too wet or dry. My own Ulmus parv. stay out all year and are robust characters for it. These are often sold by dealers (who do really know better) as ideal for keeping inside. This is a possibility but not the best place for them as straggly growth and weak constitutions ensue.
Does the water drain through the compost quickly without forming any puddles on top? This should be the case.
Advice on which style to adopt could only be given if we can see a photograph. Meanwhile allow new shoots to grow six or seven leaves and then cut back to the second or third leaf, whichever faces outwards or downwards. Come back. = Stymie.

bonsai_monk · Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 8:01 am Post subject: Re: chinese elm...where to go?

I moved it outside, it drains quickly and well and it is potted up as a bonsai, I wil try and get a picture of it today, thanks for your advice, I will try and look at a few more books aswell. Smile

bonsai_monk · Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 8:08 pm Post subject: Re: chinese elm...where to go?

Here are 2 pictureS, exscuse the moody looking face on 1 Shocked

If you need anymore ill put some others on http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Ambee/ff728b15.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/Ambee/PICT1192.jpg

Stymie · Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 8:17 pm Post subject: Re: chinese elm...where to go?

That looks healthy enough and has been basically styled at some time. Stick to the pruning routine which I suggested above for now. It doesn't need anything drastic yet. Just let it get used to your regime and we'll have another look in a month. The viewpoint in the 2nd. picture is best.

bonsai_monk · Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 8:35 pm Post subject: Re: chinese elm...where to go?

Thanks, again, very much for your advice, it really is appreciated , I will report back in a month with some pictures. Today I recieved pruning shears, and I will keep to the pruning routine. Also sorry about spelling mistakes and typos on my recent post, I think I was a bit out of it. Confused