Bonsai Beginner. Chinese Elm

[Ross]

I agree completely. I have a 20 footer in the front yard that gets zero shade year round. Except during winter it gets watered daily (with low angle sprinkler heads) and is extremely healthy. My misguided ways have been made right.

The tree in your yard isn't really comparable because it's not in a free draining soil and it's also not in a pot with a hole at the bottom, so the drainage is quite different. I talked with an arborist recently and he told me that most yard trees end up dying because of over-watering and eventual root rot. There is so much conflicting info out there about soil mixes and watering, I would suggest looking at some of the trees of the people giving advice before you decide whose advice to follow. Also, so much depends on your location and schedule, it is always a good idea to listen to others in your area who grow similar trees. Good luck, have fun, and resist the urge to now go out and buy 30 trees!

 

[edprocoat]

Kingslayer, the granules like Osmocote etc. are generally a constant slow release that last for 2-3 months depending on the brand. The box will tell you how long it lasts, they need removed as they do not ever go away. I use the Osmocote and miracle grow liquid, or whatever I can find cheap, I fertlize with the liquids every 3-4 days in addition to the granules. What the plant dont take in just passes through the pot, but they love lots of ferts, especially as they are in a small pot and do not get nutrients like in nature. The problem with topsoil is that it will cake and clog your soil and screen. This slows down and even stops drainage that will allow stagnant water to collect at your base and kill the roots. Chinese Elms are almost bullet proof, I would give it 4-6 weeks rest keeping an eye that it is draining and then repot it into some good draining Bonsai soil. BTW if you just repotted it, its good practise to keep it out of full sun for a week to let it recover.

ed

 

[Ross]

BTW if you just repotted it, its good practise to keep it out of full sun for a week to let it recover.

ed

Good call Ed, if that tree was re-potted yesterday then it needs a couple weeks recovery time while new roots establish before it is gradually transitioned to full sun.

 

[Vin]

The tree in your yard isn't really comparable because it's not in a free draining soil and it's also not in a pot with a hole at the bottom, so the drainage is quite different. I talked with an arborist recently and he told me that most yard trees end up dying because of over-watering and eventual root rot. There is so much conflicting info out there about soil mixes and watering, I would suggest looking at some of the trees of the people giving advice before you decide whose advice to follow. Also, so much depends on your location and schedule, it is always a good idea to listen to others in your area who grow similar trees. Good luck, have fun, and resist the urge to now go out and buy 30 trees!

Trust me I will not be giving any more insight to my 35 years of gardening experience. I’m well aware bonsai is a totally different animal and would not even think about offering advice on the subject. I certainly didn’t mean to offer watering suggestions that could kill the poor man’s tree so for that I apologize.

To put things in perspective, there is no one here locally to get advice from so I rely on books, sites like this and my past experience to guide me. I’ve been pretty successful so far. However, I got slapped around pretty good over my comment in this thread so I’ll just keep quiet and read the opinions of the many Masters on this site.

Also, I’m pretty busy working 10 -11 hours a day and keeping up with the 80 plus trees I have now so no worries with me buying 30 more. I’ve learned a great deal about the many personalities of bonsai in the few short months I’ve been a member of this forum. It has been fun but this will be my last post. Wishing all the best in bonsai.

Peace Out!

 

[Ross]

Oh no! We were all just trying to give helpful tips for your tree! I hope my advice didn't come off as condescending at all because I just like elm trees and tend to give too much advice some times. I really hope you don't leave the site because you think we are picking on you, quite the contrary! My advice was meant to be super friendly but as usual it's tough to infer tone on the internet. Sorry for the misunderstanding, and I hope you stick around for a bit.