I bought a small Chinese Elm last fall from what I consider a reputable bonsai nursery. I've purchased several trees from them in the last year or so, and they're all fine. They did advertise the elm, as a tree that would do fine indoors. (I know, my mistake). The tree actually did fine all winter. It would lose a few leaves, then grow some more. About a month ago, it lost most of it's leaves, and pretty much stopped producing new ones. I put it outside on the east side of my house, where it gets morning sun, but shade in the afternoon. It has sprouted a few new leaves, but doesn't seem to be thriving. My watering regime is pretty scientific. I stick my finger in the dirt, and if feels a little dry, I water it. It has been very hot here for this time of year, high 90's. (I live in the armpit of the weather world). There doesn't seem to be any evidence of bugs. I bought it because it was advertised as a good beginner's tree. I have had a Fukien Tea for a few years, that I basically ignore, and it's doing great, so not sure what I've done wrong with the elm. Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry, no pics, I'm at work, and haven't quite figured out how to post them yet.
Failing Chinese Elm
- Thread starter Carol 83
- Start date
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
Drag and drop in the PC.
Press upload a file from the phone!
Post em as full image!
Sorce
jcrossett
Chumono
Has potential but I think it needs some taper.
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
Unfortunately it looks like a goner. Scratch the bark to see what color it is underneath. If it's green there's hope. If not, then it may be too late.
Scratched the bark, still very green, so maybe theres some hope. On a early flight to Florida tomorrow, which leaves my 23 year old son to watch my happy trees and this sad tree. Will check back in tomorrow. Not sure what I did wrong but I appreciate the comments. Hopefully it will survive. Thanks.
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
When it's leafless, don't keep the soil constantly wet. There are no leaves to use the water so the roots will just stay wet and rot, if they haven't already.
AaronThomas
Omono
Are those spider webs on the tree? Id definitely clean it up, looking pretty Adams Family!
.... also cant see the soil but Id clean up any leaf litter on the soil if there is any.
Elms are pretty tough trees but got to play by the rules... Good luck!
Elms are tons of fun and can really take a beating!
.... also cant see the soil but Id clean up any leaf litter on the soil if there is any. Elms are pretty tough trees but got to play by the rules... Good luck!
Elms are tons of fun and can really take a beating!
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
If it does go...
Or not!
Dig yourself some local elms.
American Elm is pretty abundant.
But the smaller leafed Siberian/hybrid elms you can find in almost any crack in the ground are great too!
Have that 23 year old dig em for ya!
Sorce
Or not!
Dig yourself some local elms.
American Elm is pretty abundant.
But the smaller leafed Siberian/hybrid elms you can find in almost any crack in the ground are great too!
Have that 23 year old dig em for ya!
Sorce
JudyB
Queen of the Nuts
when you get back, put a wooden skewer into the soil. Every day pull it out and check it against your skin. When it's starting to feel dry then water. I'm not sure a finger will tell you as much as a skewer that stays in the soil. Seems like overwatering perhaps. What type of soil is it in? If it's an organic soil, it could be that its not draining well enough. Good luck!
Thank you all for the comments. I think you are both right Ryan and Judy, I think I overwatered. It's been so hot at home and the pot is so small, I was worried it would dry out fast. Will definitely do the chopstick thing. I actually used to do that, but I just got lazy. Not sure if spider webs, Aaron, but will clean up when I get home. I guess I should ignore the thing like I do with the Fukien Tea. I'm sure my son will, loll. I appreciate that you all are willing to help us poor, pathetic beginners, rather than laugh at our pathetic mistakes. This an awesome forum.
Eric Group
Masterpiece
How long has it been outside? Looks like it is just shocked from the move. It is growing new leaves, probably be fine...
Only been outside a couple weeks. I guess a pretty big change from being inside to 90+ temps, even in the shade. Thanks. Not sure what I should do with t when it gets cold again (if it lives). It was Ok inside last winter, but apparently weakened it. I'll just try to keep it alive until then
Eric Group
Masterpiece
I'd recommend keeping it outside. Bama doesn't get THAT cold in the winter normally, right? If really concerned about the cold, maybe find an unheated room like a garage to keep it in once the leaves fall... These do fine with freezing temps and though they "can" survive without dormancy for a while, I think the do better with a little winter nap. I have found moving trees in and out to be more stressful than just leaving them out and allowing them to go dormant... They tend to go into a bit of shock when moved inside and then again when moved back out, so you get two periods of stress instead of one dormancy.
AaronThomas
Omono
We all got to start some where! Glad you joined up!
Hopefully you'll stick around... that's when the real fun will start... Then we will totally start making fun!
JK
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
Illinois!
@Carol 83 you're one of few who spell me right but I didn't get the alert...I think cuz of the smily....but I appreciate the double!
I put a lot of indoor stuff outside for the first time this year...and most got kissed for a bit....
I reckon itll come back!
People consider these elms we love weeds in a lot of places...shouldn't be hard to get some permission. Not that I'm totally against doing the lawnmower man unmentioned favors by pulling them out!
It's hot...but I've had success pulling them in summer. After while....you'll be able to spot the pattern of elm leaves from the highway going 60 2 blocks away!
Sorce
Eric Group
Masterpiece
Lol, you are right Sorce, I misread her location! Thanks for straightening me out there.. No clue how well a Chinese Elm would do outdoors in Il, prolly need some protection for sure!
