Hi, I’ve been gifted a Chinese Elm (which I’m very thankful for), it’s likely a garden centre import type (the leaflet included stated Kyoto bonsai was the supplier).
I think it’s in really poor (probably organic) soil which seems very compacted.
Should I repot it now into bonsai non organic soil or wait until next spring and do my best to care for it in poor soil?
Any help would be appreciated (newbie here)
I’m based in Staffordshire UK, the tree will nest kept outside and bought into greenhouse in cold winter
The opinions probably differ on this, but in my experience chinese elms are very robust and can handle a repot when in leaf. Sort out the roots but don’t cut them back too much (maybe 1/3 to 1/2 reduction max), secure the tree well so that it doesn’t move in the new substrate and keep it in the shade for a week or two. It should be fine and respond well. Even in the worst case that it would shed leafs, it will regrow new ones.
The tree looks like it is pushing well this spring. If you are able to balance the water/oxygen in its current state, I would wait until next repotting season. If you are worried that you can’t balance it, I would be conservative on the root work, which then would probably have you coming back next repotting season anyways to continue your work. Over the years I’ve learned being patient and right timing makes a big difference.
Hi, I have one Chinese Elm that I got from the supermarket in the exact same pot, and I also had to repot it due to the horrible soil they used.
I ended up repotting it twice, as I went on to a online bonsai site and brought bonsai soil, which turned out to be horrible as well, with far too many organic components, 1 watering was keeping the soil wet for days and my tree was suffering.
I now have it in a akedama, lava rock and pumice mix 1:1:1 ratio and my tree is doing so much better.
I did loose some of the foliage, but it soon bounced back I have been putting it outside during the morning sun, then moving it to a shady spot for the afternoon, then bringing it back indoors overnight, hope to be getting it outside fully soon. I have included a couple of pics of how my tree is doing now
If it is repotting season go for it.
Chinese elms are a very tough species.
You could also reach out to the big boss at GREENWOOD BONSAI in the UK, you also have Peter Chan at Herons in the UK and they could tell you when they repot.
Do you have the Mirai app with the calendar available to you?
This would indicate the normal repotting season for you area.
Repotting is super simple if you have the supplies needed, timing is important to maximize success.
No one wants a dead tree.
Check out the calendar or talk to those shops in the UK and get all the supplies needed ahead of time.
Mirai is the place to be but don’t ignore those local experts from your climate.
