Fertilizing

[mizzpinky211]

I have a 16-18 year old Chinese Elm that i recieved for Christmas. I live in growing zone 9b- when do i fertilize?

 

[Paradox]

Is it actively growing?
Do you have it inside or outside?

Please put your location on your profile so we dont have to repeatedly ask and can give you proper advice. Zone 9b could be a wide area.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Greetings and Welcome Aboard Bonsai Nut!

This is a great place to get advice on bonsai, with hobbyists around the world contributing ideas and advice to folks new and experienced who ask.

@Paradox is correct in asking for more information as what has been posted so far is not enough to give for us to give advice on your bonsai yet. There are certain pieces of information we need to help advise you.

First it helps to post ones appropriate location and USDA Zone on your icon. To do so, double click your icon atop the page, then account details and scroll down and enter this data. This helps us tailor our advice to for the general area. Once done you’ll not have to do so again.

Second we need more details about the tree and the issue. Uploading a couple images using the attach file function and then selecting which size to post will save a bunch of description.

Finally tell us where the tree is kept if the photo does not show it… especially important during winter as there are many places members keep trees during the winter..

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[mizzpinky211]

Hi! Thank you for responding! I just updated my profile. I live in Prather, CA... its in the mountains!
I just received it and I'm brand new to bonsai I'm trying to learn everything I can!
Its currently indoors as I didn't know it was an outdoor plant- I was advised by some bonsai enthusiasts in a Facebook group dedicated to bonsai to keep it indoors until spring as that's where I'd kept it for several weeks.
I have it under grow lights so it hasn't dropped its leaves, it was initially dropping leaves when I received it but it stopped when I put the lights on it. I feared I was killing it as the leaves were all falling off. I later learned it was either dropping leaves due to acclimating to my home and/or because it was supposed to due to the time of year.
My husband gave it to me for Christmas and he didn't clarify with the seller if it HAD to be outdoors or if it could be indoors so I didn't know any better.
I have read 2 books but they didn't really clarify WHEN to fertilize - just that it needed to be done annually.
I also read that organic pelleted fertilizers were better for older trees- is this accurate or just preference?

 

[mizzpinky211]

Attached are photos of when it was losing its leaves and i thought something was wrong. I did find a little teeny tiny red bug on it also and picked it off - i was going to use Neem Oil as per the book i read but ive been monitoring- not wanting to use something thats not necessary and i havent seen anymore bugs or sticky leaves. So ive held off for now. I do have the neem oil and was advised to dilute it with water a a few drops of mild detergent. Im not sure if you also advise this?

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Seems pretty normal for an outside tree brought inside for leaf drop to occur. If one looks at the leaves it appears they had begun to abciss already (prep for dropping off).

Some folks grow Chinese Elms indoors. Imho It takes a quite bit more trial and error to get the horticulture down, but it could be done. Most folks just keep them outside. To go dormant. Avoiding dormancy has its costs over time… say 2-4 years down the line with many trees. They gradually become weaker…. Don’t think Chinese Elm is in the category.. perhaps others more expert on keeping Chinese Elms indoors will pipe in.

Fertilizer: The origin of the fertilizer Organic-Inorganic doesn’t matter to the plants. Folks often say organic is better due to the inherent lower quantities of NPK, or because it’s fashionable, but organic fertilizers are slow release on the whole. But the same effect can be reached by using slow release Inorganic fertilizer by following the recommended quantities or dilution… or use a slow release pelletized fertilizer.

Organic fertilizers depend on microbial activity, so as the weather chills, or in spring they are less effective.

Cliff notes on inorganic fertilizers - There are two main difference in inorganic fertilizers.

1. Slow release or fast release. example Osmocote plus pellets is slow release fertilizer while miracid is quick release. Both are frequently used in bonsai, especially for plants in development.

2. Micronutrient content. Some fertilizers contain the micronutrients trees and plants need.

• Organic fertilizers - In my experience most organic fertilizers do not contain micro nutrients, but there are more coming on line. For example Gro Power (12-8-8) is a good product with micronutrients.
• More Inorganic fertilizers contain micro nutrients ex: Osmocote Plus and Miracid both contain micronutrients.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Shibui]

Keep a close eye out for bug population increase. Many bugs seem to love indoor conditions and can multiply very fast.

Fertilise Chinese elm whenever it is growing. Fertilizer is just wasted if the tree cannot take it up and use it. I can't see any sign of new buds or fresh shoots so probably hold off on fert until you start to see fresh buds.

No problem overwintering Chinese elm indoors provided there's plenty of light and you can manage watering so the roots do not stay permanently wet or too dry and keep the bugs under control.
Watering can be a bit more of a challenge outdoors but the tree will usually be far healthier outdoors through the growing season.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Perhaps use Safer Soap as a first option, then Been Oil if still needed. That’s the progression we use for general pests.

Treatment for scale often involves scraping off each scale, then spraying with safer soap to kill the tiny eggs. Spray tools and fingers with alcohol frequently to avoid spreading eggs.

btw fast moving red mites usually a predatory mites and are over if the good guys. Slow moving is a different story.

Cheers
DSD sends