One of the best choices of trees for the beginning bonsai grower is the Chinese Elm Tree.
This tree which is native to East Asia can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
When grown out of doors, the Chinese Elm can grow to a full height of 60 feet.
If grown indoors the Chinese elm is trained and pruned to be a miniaturized version of the full growth tree.
This is a beautiful specimen tree.
The bark of the tree is mottled with dark gray colors, interspersed with cream and red colors.
The tree remains a semi evergreen, as long as it is kept indoors, if replanted out of doors the tree reverts to a deciduous tree, where the foliage will drop from the tree at the ends of the growing seasons.
While a lot of Elm trees are susceptible to the dreaded Dutch Elm disease, the Chinese Elm is not.
This fact alone makes this a great choice of specimens to grow.
The Chinese Elm is a slow growing tree with very predictable growth patterns.
The slow growth often helps beginning growers to become more comfortable with pruning.
The Chinese Elm should be protected from harsh weather conditions.
The tree is also affected when exposed to cold blast of air.
If you are growing this tree indoors, be sure to place it away from outside doors.
Pruning of the Elm is simple.
The only rule that you need to follow is that after pruning at least two nodes must remain.
These nodes should be located near the main trunk of the tree.
There are no special watering requirements for the Chinese Elm.
Keep the tree moist at all times.
Do not over water.
Like most Bonsai trees the Chinese Elm should be repotted in early spring.
Repot after the first year, but not later than the third year.
Repotting should occur at least one month before or after pruning.
Do not do both at the same time.
This is very stressful for the tree and can cause long lasting or fatal damage.
The Chinese Elm requires feeding, if grown indoors a regular weekly feeding is recommended.
If you choose to grow the Elm Bonsai out of doors, then feed it once a week with a high nitrogen fertilizer.
Continue the weekly feeding for one month, then reduce the feeding to once a month.
If you elect to use wires for training, then they should be applied before the tree begins to produce leaves.
Remember this is a very hardy and forgiving tree, One that can be grown and trained into a magnificent bonsai specimen.