Zelkova

[Steel199]

Hi all,

Hope someone can help me with my bonsai.
I am Denis, from Dublin, Ireland. I bought my Zelkova about 2 months ago. I have it inside the house (I'm an absolute beginner: Bowie).
My Zelkova is 17" tall, It's in a pot 3" in depth, 6"by 10" Size.
The leaves are falling off it, I think I'm watering it too much.
Help

Denis

[bonsaiboy]

The only thing I can tell you is that is not a tree for indoors. So put it outside right away!

[Steel199]

The only thing I can tell you is that is not a tree for indoors. So put it outside right away!

Thanks, Bonsaiboy. I was on line and iam happy to say i found that much out, also to submerge it in water once a week, and to spray it every day. So i hope it works out.
It's a nice tree. Best Wishes
Denis

[constantstaticx3]

Yes definitely get it outside it should never be kept inside for more than a day or so. Whatever you do, do NOT water using the submersion method. That is a technique only used for emergencies when a tree is about to die from lack of water. Bonsai or any other plant for that matter should never be watered on a schedule. You should only water your tree when the soil is about to dry up. Place a toothpick into the soil and pull it out daily, if the stick is completely dry or just a little damp on the end then it is time to water.

Here is a credible source on how you should take care of this tree.
http://bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Zelkova.html

A picture can also help to offer further advice.

Tom

[Steel199]

Yes definitely get it outside it should never be kept inside for more than a day or so. Whatever you do, do NOT water using the submersion method. That is a technique only used for emergencies when a tree is about to die from lack of water. Bonsai or any other plant for that matter should never be watered on a schedule. You should only water your tree when the soil is about to dry up. Place a toothpick into the soil and pull it out daily, if the stick is completely dry or just a little damp on the end then it is time to water.

Here is a credible source on how you should take care of this tree.
http://bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Zelkova.html

A picture can also help to offer further advice.

Tom

Tom, Thank you for taking the time, you have been very helpful.
I will post a photo Soon. I like the toothpick trick.
Best Wishes

Denis

[Steel199]

Tom, It's the only pic i have of the Zelkova. It's looking good in this. ill take one of it later and post it . Thanks for your input. It's helped me big time.



Denis

[Gnome]

Denis,

Hello and welcome to the forum, I took the liberty of correcting your post so that your picture is visible. Seeing your tree I am left wondering if you do indeed have a Zelkova or perhaps a Chinese Elm. It is not uncommon for these two species to be confused, sometimes deliberately so.




The first picture shows the foliage of a Zelkova as compared to a Chinese Elm . The U.S. Quarter is just under one inch or about 25 MM. The second picture shows the variation that is possible within Chinese Elms. Without something for scale it is difficult to say. What do you think?

Norm

[Steel199]

Norm, I hope the pics are good enough for you to give me an ID. Thanks again
Denis.

[Gnome]

Denis,

Norm, I hope the pics are good enough for you to give me an ID. Thanks again

You're welcome. The more I see of this tree the more confident I am that it is indeed a Chinese Elm. As I alluded to earlier often these trees are deliberately misidentified in order to skirt import restrictions. This seems to be particularly prevalent in the UK.

If you search this forum for 'Chinese Elm' you will find many threads. This species is sub-tropical and is a bit unusual in that it can be handled as an evergreen or a deciduous tree. I take it that you prefer to keep it as an indoor tree.

Norm