The Japanese elm, or Zelkova, is a deciduous tree native to Taiwan, Japan and Korea.
The leaves are dark green throughout the summer, changing to yellow and orange in fall.
The leafsize decreases quickly when the zelkova grows in a pot.
So how do you care for your Zelkova?
The Japanese elm likes a place in full sun during the growing season or, if the sunlight
is very intense in your country, semi-shade during the hottest weeks.
In winter the elm should be protected from frost, especially when it is planted in a shallow bonsai container.
A cold but frost-free greenhouse, garage or shed is a good winter place for the zelkova.
Water the zelkova regularly and don't let the rootball dry out, but take care not to overwater the tree.
Overwatering can cause root rot.
In winter keep the rootball slightly moist.
You can apply solid organic fertilizer, with a balanced N-P-K ratio, every four weeks.
Let the new shoots grow until they have produced 4 to 6 leaves and then cut them back to 2 leaves.
After the leaves have dropped in fall, carefully prune thick twigs and overly long shoots.
The winter silhouette and fine ramification of the Japanese elm are extremely important and its nicest feature.
Repot the zelkova every two or three years, old big trees less often, and prune the roots carefully.
The development of a perfect radial nebari is an important goal.
Zelkovas are usually planted in shallow oval or rectangular pots.
The zelkova can be propagated from seed and cuttings.
Greenwood cuttings can be taken in summer, hardwood cuttings in winter.
If your Zelkova is losing a lot of leaves, this is often the result of improper watering or not enough light.
Again, make sure you place your Bonsai outdoors with plenty of light.
And water it generously as soon as the soil gets slightly dry.
Learn how to create your own bonsai trees by enrolling in one of our online Bonsai courses.
We explain techniques like pruning, wiring, and repotting, and you can ask questions to the teachers.
For the curriculums, and free lessons go to: www.bonsaiempire.com/courses