Chinese Elm In Sunroom

[dhelix33]

Before purchasing this Chinese Elm, my research indicated it can be cared for as an indoor bonsai or as an outdoor bonsai [my decision was to place it in our sunroom]. Where it is placed, my Chinese Elm gets about 3 hours of direct sunlight in the morning, and is in shaded light the remainder of the day. This tree experienced a first winter here in the Raleigh area of North Carolina that averaged 40 degrees, never getting to a dormant state [and had a caretaker who just kept the soil too wet during the winter]. This Spring I discovered the small pot-bound tree was not doing well when I peeked under the surface [packed solid almost black roots]. Doing much better now after a repot couple weeks ago - just trimmed off the dead branches the rotted roots created. Have posted images of what the tree looks like after about 2 weeks post repotting.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Good job! The tree is bouncing back to life.

One thought. Quite a number of folks keep these trees outside during summer and inside in winter. Chinese elms place well outside really do well, putting on foliage by leaps and bounds. This can help the tree survive the winter better inside.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[leatherback]

Garden centres and their profit margins..

Chinese elms can survive indoors. But to thrive they really should spend considerable time outside throughout the year.

 

[Srt8madness]

Garden centres and their profit margins..

Chinese elms can survive indoors. But to thrive they really should spend considerable time outside throughout the year.

While I disagree with misleading claims of certain bonsai sellers, the OP said they did their own research, and nothing about a garden center.

I doubt independent nurseries that sell mallsai bonsai as such are what comes to mind for high profit margin businesses. Not to mention it's probably just some employee who is giving care instructions anyway.

To the OP, is there a spot with more sunlight you can put the tree?

 

[dhelix33]

While I disagree with misleading claims of certain bonsai sellers, the OP said they did their own research, and nothing about a garden center.

I doubt independent nurseries that sell mallsai bonsai as such are what comes to mind for high profit margin businesses. Not to mention it's probably just some employee who is giving care instructions anyway.

To the OP, is there a spot with more sunlight you can put the tree?

The bonsai gets about 3 hours sun where it is placed in the sunroom in the morning. There is a table on the patio outside that gets all afternoon sun. However, I was avoiding moving it in and out so recently after repot - to avoid transplant stress root damage by moving it around to soon.

 

[penumbra]

I fear for the plants longevity inside. Not a good idea at all.

 

[dhelix33]

I fear for the plants longevity inside. Not a good idea at all.

Appreciate the concern, I like the way it looks in the sunroom, and will keep it there there this summer - day and night [especially as it recovers from repotting a few weeks ago]. However, we do have a nice table on the patio outside where I may let it reside through the moderate winters here in the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina.

 

[dhelix33]

I have moved the Chinese Elm outdoors today! New permanent home is on a table on the patio outside the sunroom it was residing in.