Chinese Elm Seedlings

[jrjaek]

Hello Everyone,
Relative beginner here. I received a bonsai seed set as a gift last xmas (I know everyone says these are terrible). But anyways I tried it out and I now have 2 Chinese elms who both germinated and have done reasonably well. They are both about 14 months old now and about 10 inches tall.
My plan now was to repot them into larger pots with bonsai soil to let them grow. Should I now also start to add bend into the trunk with wiring or are they still too young? Also when I repot is now the time to cut the tap root?
Thanks for the advice.

 

[coltranem]

I'd need to see a picture but typically you can repot and do some root work after the first year. Chinese elms seedlings seem to favor one or two roots which quickly get big. Depending on the size of the tree it could move up a pot size. I wouldn't worry about using bonsai soil at this point.

You could also wire some movement in the trunks. Just be careful of buds.

This also assumes it is the right time of year in your location. Meaning the buds are just starting to swell.

 

[Shibui]

It is never too early to add some bends. 1 year old should be a great time to bend while the trunks are still flexible. Just remember that bending will not add any taper to the trunk. Most of my trees are developed through chopping which makes both bends and taper in the developing trunk.
Definitely time to cut those roots. The earlier the better IMHO so I usually do the first root prune at a few weeks old but second best time is now.
As mentioned it is likely you'll find just a few thick roots which is how Chinese elms grow. I've found that really hard initial root prune is the best way to change the roots from few thick to lots of laterals. As a beginner you'll probably be reluctant to cut roots hard but just grit your teeth and do your best until you get a better feel for it with experience.

 

[jrjaek]

Great, thanks so much. I live in NYC so now would be a good time to prune the roots and repot. The soil is not draining well which is why I figured I would put the seedlings in better soil.

 

[coltranem]

Great, thanks so much. I live in NYC so now would be a good time to prune the roots and repot. The soil is not draining well which is why I figured I would put the seedlings in better soil.

If they are seedlings in a regular pot as long as new soil drains well you will be fine. I like an organic mix with extra pumice/perlite for growing trees out in nursery pots.