New Chinese Elm owner

Josh · White Belt Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Missouri

Hello everyone, I just purchased my first Bonsai tree from Brussels Bonsai. I bought a Chinese Elm and am very pleased with it’s appearance. I have read several books on Bonsai and obviously will be learning as I go along. I received the tree with a great deal of foliage which added to my enjoyment when I opened it. Here currently n Missouri the nights are dropping into the 30’s (F) and highs around the 50’s. I don’t want to harm my tree by exposing it to climates after the tree has sprouted it’s leaves. Can anyone offer any advice on a safe temperature to expose my tree to now that the leaves are ready for spring, but my climate isn’t? Thank you in advance

emorrin · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 3:45 am Post subject: Re: New Chinese Elm owner

Brussels bonsai is in Missouri as well (in Olive Branch when I looked it up) so it should be the same climate as where you live, at least one would think. I would probably bring it in at night and put it back out in the morning until it gets into the lower 40's at night. I am not sure if Brussel's Bonsai get their trees from China or they have a good stock on hand. I have never bought anything off of them yet. In any case, it sounds like the Chinese Elm could have come out of dormancy a little early. I live in Illinois so maybe I could be wrong, not certain of exact climate where you are at. I wouldn't baby it since it most likely is used to the colder temperatures, but I would definitely not leave it outside if you think it will frost that night, that is unless you protect it by placing a bucket or cloth over it.

Josh · White Belt Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Missouri

I will put it outside today then. Thanks for the advice. I do know this particular tree came from Mississippi. Are their any signs of stress the tree may show until we warm up a little?

keithmart · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject: Re: New Chinese Elm owner

Hi and welcome,

Chinese elm are tough little trees, and do not take kindly to mollycoddling.

Mine have been ouside all winter and we have had -10C and they are fine.

Do not be surprised if they lose a few leaves at first, a they will soon bounce back.

If your tree has been kept indoors introduce it to outside by leaving it out during the day at first, for a week or so, then leave it out all the time.