How to care for an elm bonsai

Ulmus parvifolia

Since its inception, the bonsai world has worked with certain species that, fulfilling a series of requirements, they have been turning into authentic works of living art. One such species is the elm, a deciduous tree that has proven to be a real gem for those who enter this world for the first time.

This time I am going to explain to you how to care for an elm bonsai, discovering all the virtues of this wonderful tree plant.

What is an elm tree?

Elm leaves

When we talk about elms, we can refer to either of these two genera: Ulmus sp or Zelkova sp. Although they are very similar, in fact they are part of the same family of the Ulmaceae, there are subtle differences that it is convenient to know.

  • Ulmus sp.: This is the real elm. They are deciduous trees native to the Northern Hemisphere. In the Spanish urban flora, it is common to find in parks and / or botanical gardens the ulmus pumila or Ulmus minor. However, it is a genus that is being seriously affected by graphiosis, a fungus that, once inside the trunk, weakens the plant until it is destroyed.
  • Zelkova sp.: Deciduous, it is native to southern Europe and eastern Asia. It is also one of the most used for bonsai, especially the species Zelkova Serrata.

Elm bonsai care

Olmo

Now that we know what an elm is, let's know how to take care of it when working as bonsai:

  • LocationElm is a plant that resists cold and frost very well, and therefore it can - and should - be kept outside all year round.
  • Irrigation: for a correct development, it is advisable to always keep the substrate slightly damp.
  • Pruning: the formation pruning, that is, the one whose objective is to give a design to our tree, will be carried out in late autumn or early spring. However, small pruning, as well as pinching, can be done throughout the vegetative season, allowing about 4 pairs of leaves to grow and subsequently leaving two leaves on each twig.
  • Transplant: It is recommended to change the tray every two years.
  • Substratum- Will grow wonderfully on 70% akadama mixed with 30% kiryuzuna. If you have trouble getting any of these materials, you can use volcanic clay - in the form of gravel - mixed with clay balls or even very small pieces of ceramic.
  • Subscriber: it is essential, not only for the good health of the tree, but also to prevent it from being affected by any disease, fertilize from spring to late summer using a specific fertilizer for bonsai, or natural slow-release fertilizers .

With these tips, you will have your elm bonsai in perfect condition 🙂.


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