A Fact Sheet about Elm Bonsai Propagation

Elm bonsai is a fantastic yet versatile miniature tree. If you are just starting out as a bonsai cultivator, you can grow an elm bonsai. You will not have a hard time growing it because it is not that demanding of care and maintenance, and you do not necessarily have to cultivate it on a specified growth condition. You just have to know simple and reliable facts about propagating an elm grown as miniature tree so you will be confident in everything you do, and be successful in your chosen hobby.

Elm bonsai can be propagated indoors and outdoors. There are basic facts on how you can propagate it that will not cause hassle to you, and they are stated below:

• Propagation

You can start your elm bonsai from seeds, cuttings, and through air-layering. When you are growing an elm as a miniature tree from seedlings, the most important thing you must do is to germinate them. Then, you must plant the seeds during the season of spring or autumn. If you choose to grow it from cuttings, you must take greenwood cuttings during the summer period and hardwood cuttings must be taken during the winter period. And, if you opt to propagate it through air-layering, you must perform it after the spring growths have hardened.

• Water

Indoor elm bonsai must be watered well. You must not allow the soil to get dry. But you have to maintain moisture in the soil. Outdoor elm bonsai must be given with sufficient amounts of water especially during the summer because the sun shines strongly, and also during the springtime because it grows fast at this period and you need to provide water as needed. But you have to remember always that indoor and outdoor elm grown as miniature tree must not be given with too much water as this can cause drowning. This can eventually lead to root rot and it can even cause death if you have not instituted immediate solutions.

• Soil

There is no actual requirement for the soil mixture that you must use in propagating an elm bonsai. But one thing is for sure, you have to make use or choose a soil mixture that has a good draining feature. A draining soil is recommended when growing a miniature elm to prevent possible drowning and root rotting, and then it can cause sooner or later the death of your elm bonsai.

• Fertilizer

Giving fertilizer to your elm bonsai will promote proper growth and development of its parts, and that will help your miniature tree to flourish well. Before choosing the right fertilizer, you must make sure that you purchase a high quality of fertilizer and it should be composed of high amounts of nitrogen. You can use a fertilizer that is commercially prepared or you can make your own home made fertilizer. If you bought a commercially prepared fertilizer, you must read the manufacturer's instructions that are printed on its package.

For indoor elm bonsai, you must apply fertilizer on a weekly basis during the summer and spring period. Then, feed your elm bonsai every four weeks during the season of spring. But you should not feed it when all its leaves have fallen out. For outdoor elm bonsai, give fertilizer during spring season after the buds have opened. Then, feed it on a weekly basis for the first month, and then every two weeks for the succeeding months until the late summer.