Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree

I bought this from a nursery in June 2024. One of the only "ready made" bonsai trees I've ever bought. But, I didn't have any chinese elms yet so I got it. In this video I show the progress from the time I bought it through the present day.

Here is a comparison from chat GPT:

🌳 Basic Overview
Trait Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)
Origin China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan Siberia, northern China, Mongolia
Hardiness Zones 5–9 3–9
Growth Rate Moderate to fast Very fast

🍃 Leaves
Trait Chinese Elm Siberian Elm
Leaf Size Small (1–2") Slightly larger (up to 3")
Leaf Shape Delicate, serrated Coarser, more ragged
Leaf Behavior Semi-evergreen (may keep leaves in mild winters) Deciduous

🌳 Tree Quality
Trait Chinese Elm Siberian Elm
Wood Strength Tough, strong Brittle, prone to breakage
Bark Beautiful mottled, peeling bark Rough, dull gray or brown bark
Form Graceful, rounded canopy Often irregular or scraggly

🦠 Pests & Disease
Trait Chinese Elm Siberian Elm
Dutch Elm Disease Very resistant Susceptible
Insects Fewer pest issues Attracts aphids, beetles, etc.

🌱 Bonsai Use
Trait Chinese Elm Siberian Elm
Bonsai Popularity Very popular and prized Rarely used (not ideal for bonsai)
Trunk & Bark Appeal Beautiful and textured Plain, uninteresting bark

❗️Notable Differences
Siberian elm is considered invasive in parts of the U.S. due to how aggressively it self-seeds and spreads.

Chinese elm is valued ornamentally, for bonsai, and as a hardy urban tree.