Help for newby

[Flyingeleven]

Hi I am new to the world of Bonsai as my Grandson gave me a tree which he had received and let fall in to a sorry state see pic. I took all dead leaves away and have watered and sprayed tree with water daily, I think it looks a lot healthier but I feel it is too big for its pot, the soil feel quite compact very compact in fact and I have bought some bonsai potting soil but am nervous about moving it can anyone help and advise also could anyone identify the tree for me please ?

Thank you

 

[Paradox]

Looks like a Chinese elm.
I would let it get stronger and repot at the appropriate time, in spring. Good job on reviving it though but it it need time to recover

Also this tree should be outside. It will not thrive inside the house. You'll need to water fairly often, probably every day in the summer.

Where are you located? Please put your nearest city and state on your profile so we don't have to repeatedly ask you where you are. Location is important to give the best advice for bonsai

 

[BonsaiManic]

Also this tree should be outside. It will not thrive inside the house. You'll need to water fairly often, probably every day in the summer.

I agree, but would it be best to gradually acclimate it to full sun, as it seems to be accustomed to lower light?

On another note, I haven't figured out yet how to determine the difference between Siberian and Chinese elm. But my guess would have been either of those.

 

[penumbra]

Also this tree should be outside. It will not thrive inside the house.

This^^^^ and that is a little of an understatement. It is also certainly going to die if kept inside. It needs full seasons and full exposure. Occasionally we hear about someone keeping a Chinese elm inside, but it is something almost impossible to do for even the experts. I have dozens and dozens of Chinese elm. They are very tough but I did manage to kill one inside.

 

[AshleyMammal]

Judging by the style of garden fence in the background i'm betting that this is in the UK. If so, I'd keep it in it's pot and move it outside now, possibly keep it fairly shaded for a while so the new leaves don't get scorched but it probably isn't required in all honesty. Just make sure it doesn't dry out - this is particularly important with compacted soil - it can look wet on the surface but be dry inside, use the old chopstick method to check and soak in a bucket of water if necessary. Despite the fact that the (likely) poor soil it's currently in retaining water i'd still say it would be hard to overwater it when it's outside. It can be repotted in spring.

I'm sure it's a chinese elm, and all my elms stay outside all winter and are completely fine (although my society co-horts like to overwinter theirs in cold garages/sheds etc.).

 

[Flyingeleven]

Thanks to everyone in this thread yes to Ashley I am in the UK Southern part so mildly warmer than the rest

 

[Bonsai_hope]

I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that the pot is too small. Echo the sentiments about getting the tree healthy. You should have plenty of time to bud back. A comment on keeping trees indoors in the winter. Other than succulents (like a jade tree) must houses with central heating in northern climates are too dry during the winter. If you try to keep trees (even tropical) indoors you need to humidify the space. At least place the pot over a tray filled with rocks and water.

If it’s a Siberian elm remember the climate in Siberia. If the tree had been kept indoors you should have plenty of time left this summer to acclimate it to an English winter.