Chinese Elm: Weird Leaf Drop

[Mrm45443]

I have had a Chinese elm for about a year and a half now. It has generally been very happy and healthy out on my front porch. But lately I have been having some unusual leaf drop. It is still producing new growth but every day at least a half dozen old leaves turn yellow, brittle, and drop off at the slightest touch.

I moved it into my kitchen for a few weeks to monitor more closely (“as well as get it out of the full sun in case over-drying was the problem (I live in Florida and the porch has a southern exposure.). However,
the problem continues to occur.

I don’t think it is overwatering or underwatering. I don’t think it is a substrate issue. I don’t see any critters crawling around.

I’ve attached a few pics from yesterday. All of my other plants are in great shape.

Anyone have any advice?

 

[Shibui]

No location given so I don't know if you are in spring or autumn there. Much of bonsai is closely tied to seasons and local climate so a location in your personal profile helps a lot with giving better advice. I am assuming you are somewhere in Northern hemisphere so moving into spring.

Chinese elm is technically deciduous. Some varieties hold last years leaves through winter, especially if the climate is warmer, but those leaves still only have a 1 year lifespan so come spring when new leaves emerge the old crop turn yellow and drop. The variety you have there looks like the one I know as 'Catlin' which always holds leaves longer than other types.
Think of it as late fall.
The only other possibility I can think of would be a nutrient deficiency but if you have been fertilising regularly that's not likely.

 

[Mrm45443]

No location given so I don't know if you are in spring or autumn there. Much of bonsai is closely tied to seasons and local climate so a location in your personal profile helps a lot with giving better advice. I am assuming you are somewhere in Northern hemisphere so moving into spring.

Chinese elm is technically deciduous. Some varieties hold last years leaves through winter, especially if the climate is warmer, but those leaves still only have a 1 year lifespan so come spring when new leaves emerge the old crop turn yellow and drop. The variety you have there looks like the one I know as 'Catlin' which always holds leaves longer than other types.
Think of it as late fall.
The only other possibility I can think of would be a nutrient deficiency but if you have been fertilising regularly that's not likely.

I’m in Florida. I’m leaning towards a growth cycle kind of explanation, as well, but wanted to get some opinions. Thanks!

 

[Mikecheck123]

A Chinese elm should be absolutely baking happily in the full Florida sunshine.

What's your watering routine? Probably underwatered. It will be way happier outside than in your kitchen.

 

[Mrm45443]

It gets water before I leave the house in the morning and it gets a bit more when I get home.

 

[Mikecheck123]

How much water?

 

[Mrm45443]

Mornings, until it starts to run out the bottom then I wait and soak it again. Afternoons, I stick a finger in and give another good shot of water if it seems dry.

We’re just getting into rainier weather with higher humidity levels. Maybe it just bounces back?