Chinese Elm repotting yes or no

andrews · White Belt Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 2

Hello,
Sorry to bother you but yea you guessed it I'm new here Confused

, I currently have a Chinese elm which doesn't look to good at the moment, I currently have it by the window and water it on a regular basis to keep the soil moist. At one point it was nearly dead but I then soaked it in the sink and after that it came back to life with leafs growing, 1 month on and I have noticed that the leaf's are starting to die again and the soil is looking tired and starting to grown a green fur on top.
Please can you recommend if this needs re-potting and if so the best way to do this.
I will be really really grateful for who ever can other some advise.

Andy

Stymie

Hiyah Andy.
The usual time for repotting your tree would be early spring and I would be reluctant to suggest doing it now unless you can obtain some experienced help.
Your tree would have a much healthier time if kept outside. I am always telling people this - my chinese elms are outside all year in all weathers and are much more robust for it.
Is what you call green fur a moss?. That is often used as decoration by a lot of people although it is no help to the health of your tree.
The compost should be open and free-draining. If yours allows water to pass through straight away without forming any puddles and out through the drain holes it will be right.
Can you tell us what part of the UK you are in? I may be able to put you in touch with an enthusiast. Failing that, please take out full membership and show us a photograph of the tree so that more helpful suggestions can be made.
Come back soon.

Heur

Hi Andy,
I am also a novice with a Chinese elm. I put him outside the day I got him on the advice of these guys, about a year ago and he is so much more stronger because of it. I know you want to keep them indoors for 'decoration'. But they will not look too good when they die. Mine has some rich green leaves at the moment and is a joy to look at in the evening sun.
I too have moss growing around my elms trunk but the water is free flowing and doesn't seem to cause any puddling.

If you can put him outside and I'll bet it'll be looking great in no time.
H Smile

John P

andrews · White Belt Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 2

Thankyou for your replies these are very welcome, the problem I have is that I live in a flat and cant put the bonsai outside as I dont have a garden Sad

I live in surbiton (London) and will look at becoming a member so I can put some pictures on here as well Smile

I really need some help so if you know anyone in the area who can help me that would be great, how often do you guys water your bonsai at the moment as this might be were I am going at fault as well???

Many many many Thanks
Andrew

Stymie

Well, is it moss?
If the compost is very free-draining, daily watering to keep it moist, can be the way.
Could you fit it on the outside of the window?
You may be able to show it to Harry, who is a knowledgeable guy.
Look at http://www.bonsai4me.com for information.