emadrigal

I'm a newbie at bonsai trees. But its an art I was always interested in learning. I just recieved my first tree, a Chinese Elm. I read that it's an indoor tree, is this true. I live in Southeastern Michigan. The winters get pretty cold here, November comes the low should be around 40 degrees and dipping all the way down to the low 20's through March. Right now of course its still summer here. Should I keep tree outside? And whenvshould I bring indoors for dormant period. I have many questions about when to prune an repot also. Thanks for the help.

treebeard55

Welcome to the wonderful world of bonsai!

Chinese elm is a tough, adaptable species. But no tree is really made for indoors: they're trees. Keeping one indoors requires that you supply it with what it needs to survive and thrive: light, water, nutrients, and appropriate temperatures.

I don't specialize in elms, but I am familiar with the basics about them. Your tree needs to be outdoors until it's taken a few frosts. Chinese elms can survive freezing weather, but only down to around 0 F, from all I've heard and read.

Chinese elm is also, according to a source that's probably reliable, one of the few species that will take its needed annual dormancy even at room temperatures. That makes winter care a little less complicated.

Best advice I can give you: find a local club and get involved. Members will be familiar with your growing conditions, and can advise you on the best winter care for your locale.

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Treebeard 55
Steve Moore
http://hoosierbonsai.blogspot.com

The most important bonsai tool is your brain.