Chinese elm "ulmus parvifolia" 4-7

It needs consistently moist soil. Water it regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid overwatering. In spring and summer, water regularly, and when it's hot, water daily! In winter, water according to the soil conditions. Thanks to the rain and cold weather, you won't necessarily need to water regularly since the potting mix will remain moist.

Important: Don't hesitate to water the entire root ball, right down to the roots. The water will drain through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Alternatively, soak the pot in water (basting) for a few minutes to ensure it's thoroughly watered. We advise against placing a saucer or container under the pot, as the water will stagnate and can cause root rot. (Too much water = asphyxiation).

Repot in spring (February/March), when the buds turn green, just before leaf break. Trim the longest roots around the edge of the root ball, but don't reduce it by more than a third. Many bonsai react significantly when repotted at the wrong time or too drastically. Younger bonsai should be repotted approximately every 2 to 3 years, while older ones can remain in their pots for 4 to 6 years with proper care.

The Chinese elm appreciates cool soil with a good amount of organic matter to retain moisture. In the nursery, we use a potting mix composed of black peat, blonde peat, aged peat, topsoil, horse manure, and pozzolana.

This tree grows quickly, developing long stems from March to September. The shoots gradually change from green to brown, becoming woody. Prune the woody parts and reduce the number of leaves by 2 to 4 pairs. You can also prune any poorly positioned shoots, following the shape of the tree's flat branches.

In the nursery, we use a blue tomato/flower fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 12-12-17. You can apply it to the substrate from May to October, every two months, alternating between chemical and organic fertilizers.