Chinese elm losing leaves

[Anthony]

Sleeps in the Tropics, from Christmas until February,
most likely by light, not really through temperature as
64 deg.F is our lowest.

No shoots during that time.

This is for Southern Chinese Elms.
Easy tree to look after.
Good Day
Anthony

old shot of an elm from a root cutting

 

[wade.kate12]

Thank you all so much! You have been very helpful. I don't think I will be able to keep my elm in the garage here in Minnesota. It can sometimes get down to -40 and I don't think it would survive. For wintering, should I put it in the basement where it is slightly colder with no light (probably like 60 degrees down there in the winter) or can I keep it upstairs in a sunny window? I'm not sure if they need to go dormant to stay healthy or if it really matters.

 

[wade.kate12]

I've also heard of people putting them in the fridge but that's my last resort as I would then really only get to enjoy my bonsai for half the year.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Thank you all so much! You have been very helpful. I don't think I will be able to keep my elm in the garage here in Minnesota. It can sometimes get down to -40 and I don't think it would survive. For wintering, should I put it in the basement where it is slightly colder with no light (probably like 60 degrees down there in the winter) or can I keep it upstairs in a sunny window? I'm not sure if they need to go dormant to stay healthy or if it really matters.

I would keep it outdoors until it gets cold at night - but no frost. It should drop its leaves. Then bring it indoor (in your house) for the balance of the winter and place it in a south-facing window. It should "wake up" after about a month of dormancy, and then you will need to provide it with bright light and fertilizer. When the warm weather returns in the spring, move it back outside

 

[M. Frary]

I would get an American or Siberian elm.
They can stay outside year round.