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Chinese Elm #875658

Asked July 02, 2024, 1:02 PM EDT

I have a 12 year old Chinese Elm that has dropped all its leaves. I had it inside under grow lights room temperature through the winter. When it became warm enough 55+ overnight, I moved it outside. It dropped all its leaves. Now when I see growth, it sprouts leaves not from the branches, but from the trunk. I still have it out, but will shelter it during heavy rainfall. Should I avoid fertilizer while it is in this dormant state? One book I read said they do not start blooming until August. How can I tell if it is root bound? Is this the wrong time to repot? Confused!

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

With a little research I figured out you are growing the tree as a bonsai tree. Have you had the tree for 12 years? Or did you buy a 12 year old tree. As someone with a bonsai ficus I highly recommend joining a local bonsai club for answers about how to grow your tree. Dropping leaves is fairly common. It can be fertilized with half to quarter strength fertilizer all summer. After you have had it about 3 years it will be ready to repot. Please see the link for more complete advice. There are also You Tube videos about Chinese elm bonsai and how to care for them. I find watching 3-4 videos is very helpful and gives me enough information to know what is good advice and what is only a guess.
https://www.allthingsbonsai.co.uk/bonsai-tree-care/chinese-elm-bonsai-tree-care-guide/

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