Please help me ID my bonsai.

[Christelle]

Hello Everyone!

I'm new to this website and I find it quite interesting. I need your help to identify the specie of my bonsai tree. here are 2 links with photos of my tree and its leaves.
also I've noticed that the leaves are drying out and falling although new leaves are also coming out...what could be the reason? I keep my tree indoor (on my desk) and it's always in the light and I water it 3 times a week...
I would appreciate your help !


[img]https://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee434/kristellea6/2011-10-31152453-1.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee434/kristellea6/2011-10-31152512-1.jpg[/img]

[Gnome]

Christelle,

Hello and welcome. Your tree is a Chinese Elm. This species is often promoted as an indoor tree and it is far from the worst one to grow indoors but in all honesty it will do much better outside. But don't immediately move it, there are some things to consider before you make any changes now. How long have you owned it? Does it appear to be stabilizing or declining. I'm sorry to say that I have not a clue what your climate is like right now or will be in the coming months. You may not even have the option to place it outside.

For now try to give it as much light as possible and to manage your watering a little more closely. Rather than water on a schedule try to judge if the plant actually needs water or not. Please read up on the chopstick method, found in this article.

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1479

Your soil is dense and water retentive, typical of mass produced bonsai, and will need to be completely replaced at the appropriate time. Here is another thread that discusses the qualities of a good free draining bonsai soil.

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422

Search the forum for other threads on Chinese Elms and indoor growing in general. There have been a lot of posts concerning this species.

Norm

[Christelle]

Hi Norm,

Many thanks for your quick reply and help, the links are very helpful I will certainly pay much more attention to the watering routine now and the soil, I intend to read more articles about bonsai especially that I have planted a new one myself, after I've seen it pop out of my tree's pot
I've had this bonsai since July 2011, not so long ago, but I don't see it getting any better, I've seen a lot of new small branches and leaves grow but most of the existing ones fell out, we are getting closer to winter now in Lebanon with temperatures falling to around 18°C (we have four seasons) but it is still sunny now, do you think I should move it and test if this works?

Thank you again for your time and help...
Chris

[Gnome]

Chris,

!8C = 64F. My Chinese Elms are outside now and has been all spring and summer. We have already had a few light frosts here and all is well. Your tree will easily tolerate the temperatures you are experiencing now. The real question is whether or not it will be beneficial. This species does have the same strong dormancy requirement as some other species but I have always allowed mine at least a brief rest period.

Are you willing to make this an outdoor tree or do you wish to attempt it indoors?

Norm

[Christelle]

Hi Norm,

It is better for me to keep the tree indoor because I don't have a garden or a good place to keep it outdoor, and I have it in the office where I can always keep an eye on it so I think I'll stick to the indoor option.
The good thing I've read about Chinese Elms is that it's completely normal for them to lose their leaves to adapt to the new temperature/light conditions. This was a relief...

Chris

[Gnome]

Chris,

If you are going to continue with this tree inside then you are going to have to provide it a much better situation than on your desk. Even a bright window is not usually enough to sustain good growth inside. A south facing bay/garden window would get you much closer to meeting your trees needs. Since you are not doing so I assume that you do not have access to such a space.

I strongly suggest that you look into providing some supplemental lighting.

The good thing I've read about Chinese Elms is that it's completely normal for them to lose their leaves to adapt to the new temperature/light conditions. This was a relief...

Perhaps, but you have had this now for 3-4 months. I fear it is not doing well due to inadequate lighting. Many indoor growers fail due to this very reason. Here are some more things to ponder.

https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6955
https://www.evergreengardenworks.com/indoors.htm
https://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/IndoorLight.html

Norm

[Christelle]

Hi Norm,

After reconsidering I think I'm gonna move this tree definitively to my house where I have a perfect location...it's tearing my heart to see the leaves falling, I'll keep you updated on its condition and I hope it will certainly get better...

Thank you!
Chris

[js_per]

Please help me ID my new Bonsai. He's a young boy with no name.