Very Few Leaves

[CrisisQuaid]

Hey there! A few months ago I got myself nice little Chinese Elm. As a rookie I made the mistake of assuming the soil it came in would be sufficient. The soil eventually became quite hard and the tree lost most of its leaves. I repotted it in a better pot, and some Akadma bonsai soil. Now it’s been probably about 2 months, and the tree has regrown some of its leaves, but it still looks quite bare. I was wondering if this is normal, and if not what are some factors I could check to help promote more leaf growth in my tree. Please go easy on me, I’m learning as fast as I can and I hope I haven’t embarrassed myself too much.

 

[penumbra]

Is it inside or out? Can't help without knowing you climate. Where are you? Post it in your profile so you can get appropriate advice.

 

[CrisisQuaid]

Is it inside or out? Can't help without knowing you climate. Where are you? Post it in your profile so you can get appropriate advice.

Forgot to mention that the tree is kept indoors with a grow light. I’ve attached a photo of my tree. I’m working on getting the tree in good health before I focus on any kind of styling.

 

[penumbra]

If you are going to try to keep it inside I can just say good luck. I haven't been able to yet I find them indestructible out side in my area. Obviously I can't speak to you about yours as it is a secret.
Good Luck.

 

[CrisisQuaid]

If you are going to try to keep it inside I can just say good luck. I haven't been able to yet I find them indestructible out side in my area. Obviously I can't speak to you about yours as it is a secret.
Good Luck.

Well thank you!

 

[Carol 83]

Well thank you!

He is trying to tell you to add your location to your profile so we know where you are in the world to get the best advice.

 

[CrisisQuaid]

He is trying to tell you to add your location to your profile so we know where you are in the world to get the best advice.

Oh, my bad, I completely misread that. I just updated my account, but in case it hasn’t updated yet, I’m located in Cumming, Georgia.

 

[CrisisQuaid]

If you are going to try to keep it inside I can just say good luck. I haven't been able to yet I find them indestructible out side in my area. Obviously I can't speak to you about yours as it is a secret.
Good Luck.

I’m located in Cumming, Georgia.

 

[leatherback]

For this winter, keep it alive inside the way you are now. Cooler is better than warmer. In spring, bring it outside and let it grow for a bit. For now, just kee it alive.

 

[ShadyStump]

Inside with just a grow light during winter, you'll likely not see a whole lot of growth. Your tree just thinks it's a warmer winter right now.

Elms love bright sunlight, so if you can but it in a window WITH the light also, you might do better. I'm doing alright with a bay laurel, pepper bush, and others in my north facing window with a couple of the just red and blue lights on during the day for an extra boost. They're all either stagnant but healthy, or growing very slowly.

Chinese elms are subtropical trees, so full dormancy for them is optional, but they still need lots of light. Come spring you'll want to slowly harden it off before leaving it outside. Take it out into the shade during the day, then back in at night for a few days, then a bit more light, and eventually into full sun. A week or so of this gets the tree used to real sun again, otherwise you could scorch the leaves. If you've ever kept a vegetable garden and started seeds indoors, you might be familiar with the practice already.

 

[leatherback]

Chinese elms are subtropical trees

I am not sure why this is written everywhere. But I would not call a species hardy to USDA zone 4 subtropical. Rather I would call them semi-deciduous?

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I am not sure why this is written everywhere. But I would not call a species hardy to USDA zone 4 subtropical. Rather I would call them semi-deciduous?

"USDA Zone curious"

Certainly in Georgia, you can keep them outside all year. I keep mine outside in North Carolina, and some of mine haven't even dropped leaves yet.

 

[sorce]

I’m located in Cumming, Georgia.

Well Georgia is a lucky girl!

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[leatherback]

"USDA Zone curious"

2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map | USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

 

[penumbra]

Give it as much light and humidity as you can and get it outside as soon as weather permits. This, to me, means temps in mid 20s and up.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map | USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

No, it's a joke

 

[leatherback]

No, it's a joke

Sorry. Humor does not run in my family.
Living in Germany does not help.

 

[ShadyStump]

I am not sure why this is written everywhere. But I would not call a species hardy to USDA zone 4 subtropical. Rather I would call them semi-deciduous?

Nativity vs ability I think is the thought process there, but you're not wrong. That may be a better description.

 

[penumbra]

semi-deciduous

This is a term that has been used for at least several decades among nurserymen ( sorry that nursery person doesn't sound right) I heard the term when I was 15 years old working for an old time nurseryman who was 72 at the time.
It includes many more plants than people generally think of in these terms.

 

[CrisisQuaid]

Give it as much light and humidity as you can and get it outside as soon as weather permits. This, to me, means temps in mid 20s and up.

Are you suggesting that it’s just not worth trying to keep my Chinese Elm as an indoor tree? Or rather that keeping it outside will help it heal in the meantime?