Chinese Elm

[Kevster]

I've now had this elm for about a week. When I bought it it had all green leaves. It was kept in a 70 degree greenhouse under hanging plants so it wasn't getting direct sun.
I am getting more and more yellow leaves that fall right off when touched. I am keeping it inside since it was already indoors and have a constant temp of 70-75 degrees and it's a foot under my florescent lights (6 four foot bulbs). The humidity is low in this room as well. Could the humidity be the issue? I was thinking maybe it's getting to much light now. Any help would be great.

Thanks!

 

[JudyB]

It could be just the move that is spurring the leaf drop, but more likely it is shedding it's old coat for this years leaves. It is that time of year... The leaves only stay on the tree for so long, then a new crop starts pushing them off. Even ficus shed old leaves at this time of year. I would just make sure that you are not overwatering, and that the soil is good. Maybe post pics if you're really worried...

 

[Kevster]

The soil is fast draining but not the best quality. I want to repot but want the tree to acclimate to its new home first.
The tree looks very healthy. All the leaves are firm and very green. I only noticed the yellow leaves because I picked them all off. more like I touched them and they fall off. Then the next morning there will be a dozen more.
I was thinking it was shedding its leaves and this was coincidence. I'll put a picture up when I get home from work.
Thanks Judy! Being my first Chinese Elm I'm not sure what to expect.

 

[raydomz]

Judy is right on point.
This time of year is when most people get worried about their chinese elms(indoor mostly). I would not worry too much, what you're seeing is not anything to worry about. Just give the tree a chance to get in to it's new setting. Don't do anything too drastic.
When spring hits and it can reside outside you'll love the overwhelming amount of growth, but for now, just hold tight.

 

[daygan]

umm... you guys don't leave your Chinese Elms outdoors during the Winter?

 

[JudyB]

I do, and I'm sure if Ray has them he does as well. We were both responding to Kevster, as he just got one that came from an indoor situation. Ray was just saying that the yellowing leaf shedding at this time of year happens primarily on indoor elms, as the outdoor ones already lost their leaves in fall.

And some people do have success with elms inside, you just have to be willing and able to give it what it wants.

 

[raydomz]

Thanks Judy, right on point again!
Yes, people do keep elms indoors for the winter. And yes, Judy is right about the care. My mentor has a chinese elm that is now 78(?) years old, the past 20+ years of its life have been spent indoors for the winter, outdoors in the summer. The over-winter care is pretty meticulous but does not go unrewarded.
I personally keep mine outside, much less winter work.

 

[daygan]

Interesting. Thanks for the info! (Also, I'm curious - do you think keeping it indoors as opposed to allowing a Chinese elm to go through a Winter dormancy affects its overall vigor?)

 

[Kevster]

Thanks everyone. I feel much better now. I'll just wait for it to go through its changes. COME ON SPRING!!