Chinese Elm, Please Help

[Kazoo]

Hello everyone,

I have a big problem concerning my chinese elm. I have it for about 3 weeks now, and leaves keep turning yellow and falling. I'm pretty sure it's not because of underwatering, since I watered it immersing the entire pot in a sink full of water waiting for all the bubbles to disapear thats only (that's only a few seconds, maybe 30), and after that checking the water with the toothpick method.

Another thing is that the leaves are yellow but not dry and crinkly, they are soft and yellow. You may say it's because it's late spring/summer, and I hope that's the reasons why this is happening.

I also would like to mention I keep it as an inside tree, in low/medium humidity, and outside as much as inside the temperature is about 30C (that's 86 on the Fahrenheit scale).

Also, I would like to mention that I've googled the problem and I found this:
Having briefly touched on the subject of yellow leaves, now would seem a good time to expand on what is the most frequently raised point about this species. At certain times throughout the year some leaves will show sign of yellowing, usually with black spots appearing followed by varying shades of brown. These leaves will drop off during the growing season as the new growth pushes it off but in winter will stay to protect the new bud at the base. With Chinese Elm, some leaves may be discarded. at any time of the year as conditions change but the main time is during Autumn and Winter when it is adjusting its green area to the light levels. Another time of change occurs in late spring/summer especially if your tree is enjoying some time outdoors when having put out as much new growth as possible will shed some of the older leaves in favour of the fresh new ones and may lose some of the new shoots as it decides that it has put on enough for this year and settles down to enjoy the sun.
Whatever the case, yellow leaves should not be seen as a signal to increase water or feed and should not be confused with brown crinkly leaves that turn quickly as this is a sign of lack of water.
Soft and yellow - no problem.
Dry and crinkly - more water required


You will probably understand better if you see this photos

Two weeks ago:

[img]https://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv256/dann_v2/DSCF71171.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv256/dann_v2/DSCF7118.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv256/dann_v2/DSCF7121.jpg[/img]

Now:

[img]https://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv256/dann_v2/DSCF7156.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv256/dann_v2/DSCF7152.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv256/dann_v2/DSCF7151.jpg[/img]




easy to say the difference is huge...

I've heard a big deal about the chinese elm adapting to it's new environment, but I belive this is not the case. I sure hope it's adapting to it's new light conditions, not so different from its old - reminding that the leaves are yellow and soft, I wonder if I can speed up the process...

Please, if anyone can tell me, is my tree dying, or what should I do, I'm really worried and it's really depresing seeing the tree so leaveless...

[Kazoo]

I'm sorry, I forgot to mention, new buds are constantly growing (right now they are 7), but mostly, they turn yellow and fall as soon as they develop.

[img]https://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv256/dann_v2/DSCF7163.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv256/dann_v2/DSCF7169.jpg[/img]

Also I didn't use any fertilizer and I live in the northern parts of Romania (hot summers, freezy winters) but, as I mentioned before it's pretty warm.

Any type of suggestions are welcome..

[Gnome]

Kazoo,

The location you show is too dim, I feel. Since you say you are moving it in and out I suggest that you find a good spot for it outside and leave it alone for a while. Most trees are not at their best when moved constantly. A spot with morning sun and filtered sun later will be suitable.

I also suspect that you are keeping it too damp. Try using the toothpick/skewer method to determine when to water.
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1479

Also, and this kind of goes hand in hand with watering, I don't like the looks of your soil/medium. This is typical of bonsai purchased from general retailers as opposed to an actual bonsai nursery.
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422

Just a few things to consider.

Norm

[Kazoo]

Hello Norm,

Thanks for the advice. The soil might look like this because I watered it this morning just before I took the photos.

I'm sorry if by what I said, it is understood that I am moving for one part to another, I only keep it indors in my living room - but, as you said, I think it is better to take it somewhere outside, like the balcony at least for a while. I am happy to hear that you don't see the situation as grim as I first tought it would be...

I'll also consider the soil problem.

And also, as a question, how serious do you think this problem really is?... I'm really worried

Once again thank you for the advice and I'm looking foward to hear from you again