My 1st bonsai is being delivered any minute :D

SpeedFreak · White Belt Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

It's an indoor chinese elm, and i have no clue what to do.

Any tips and/or important things i should know ?

thanks

Stymie

Hiyah speedy.
I would point out that trees do not grow naturally indoors. You will therefore need the best of natural light on your tree, keep the planting medium just moist and find out if the tree has been kept inside before. This may have been in a cold greenhouse, which is much removed from a house environment.

SpeedFreak · White Belt Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

ok thanks stymie, i will do. How do i go about watering it and how often? I have a little tray it sits in that came with it, should i make sure thats always got some water in it ?

also i have bonsai plant food. How much and how often do i use that ?

thanks

Stymie

Use water which has had time to be at the same temperature as the tree. A time table for watering is not possible as some planting mediums stay moist longer than others. The target is to keep the medium just evenly moist at all times. Check at least daily. You'll soon work out the frequency needed for this. Don't let the pot sit in water as this might cause root rot to start.
Wait until it has adjusted to its new surroundings before beginning to feed it. It may not need any this season but when you start, make it a weak dilution not more frequently than at two week intervals. Read the instructions on the pack and use it at half the recommended rate.

steve

There is much discussion on the growability of elms indoors. I for one advocate that they be outdoors year round if possible, others will disagree.

emorrin

Has it come yet? Smile

As Steve said, there is and I believe always will be allot of discussion on growing Chinese Elms outdoors versus indoors. The "Need Help Choosing" topic a few topics down has some discussion on this.

steve

Fertilizing show be done every other week at half strength. Do not be suckered into buying "bonsai feed" as it is just fertilizer with a fancy package and twice the price.