Can Chinese Elm Be Grown Indoors?

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Can it? A book and several online sources I found say yes however two enthusiasts at a bonsai meeting disagreed. What's the deal?
 

Fonz

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It will survive for a while, maybe a few years, but it's an outdoor tree, like all trees...
 

bonsaichile

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First, where do you live? It would help people here give you specific horticultural advise tailored to your climate zone.

As for Chinese elms, they will survive a couple years indoors, but eventually, without having the benefits that winter dormancy brings to trees, they will weaken and eventually die. Generally speaking, bonsai is an outdoor hobby!
 
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Thanks guys. I live in San Francisco Bay Area California.
 
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So it sounds like chinese elm will only survive a couple years indoors. Are there any bonsais that will prosper indoors or perhaps just survive for quite some time? Golden Gate Ficus maybe?
 

Timbo

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I haven't tried, but i've read people keeping them alive awhile. They might survive outside there. Zone 10? I dunno they are rated Zone 9. Maybe some protection they might be OK.
 

sorce

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Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce
 

aml1014

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I haven't tried, but i've read people keeping them alive awhile. They might survive outside there. Zone 10? I dunno they are rated Zone 9. Maybe some protection they might be OK.
Chinese elms are hardy into zone 5, it could live it's whole life outside anywhere in California and not be damaged by cold.

Aaron
 

Timbo

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I mean for the heat...i know they will last in the cold, even up here maybe.
 

JudyB

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Ficus can live inside, and there are some nice varieties. Try willow leaf, they make nice looking bonsai. There are others like jade as well, I'm surprised the tropical folks haven't chimed in here. Maybe post this question in the tropical forum?
And welcome! You should put your location in your profile so people can give good advice for your climate.
 

aml1014

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I mean for the heat...i know they will last in the cold, even up here maybe.
Oh I was confused lol. I still think it's best to keep trees that can handle living outdoors, outdoors. It's not easy to simulate nature inside.

Aaron
 

JosephCooper

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Take it outside!

You live in California!

Any "indoor" tree will do fine outdoors!

Mine do!
 

Anthony

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The Southern Chinese elm lives down here since 1980.
It will rest [ no new growth ] from Christmas until Mid February.
Handles full sun.

However, though it is the Tropics here, our top temp. is mostly
Hiigh 80's , 90's deg.F for April / May for 30 minutes to 10 minutes.

Additionally, look carefully when purchasing , there are at least
8 cultivars on sale.
Some do nothing, but have smooth grey thick trunks.
Good Luck.
Anthony

* look up all you can about South China - Guangdong
Zone of Hardiness
 
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Thanks for all the comments. I have no outdoors since I live in a big condo building sigh :( I'll try indoors for this baby and give it some good tlc
 
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