Just bought one from a local nursery because I've read in severa places that the Chiniese Elm is good for beginners.

Now I'm a but stumped as to what to do.

It looks like the trunk is very straight and upright but relatively thin. Does this mean I need to grow it as a Formal Upright? Is that the sinplest thing to start with to gain experience?

Next question is... Do I need to prune now? Any tips on which bits to prune?

In general, I'll also appreciate any leads for books,videos or any info to help me get started.

Many thanks in advance!!!

It has a lot of growing to do, it is just a very young plant. It should also be outside not in. They do not do well inside.
There is not much you can do to this until it has grown up. Have a look at bonsai4me.com Harry has written several good books, and has an excellent web site.
What country are you in?

Thanks!

I'm in Melbourne, Australia.
I wanted to setup the table in the balcony before I put him outside. But I'll move him tonight to be sure.

Do you think I should trim the branches or just leave it to grow and then prune?

Gel_McGregor wrote:

Do you think I should trim the branches or just leave it to grow and then prune?

Selling this as bonsai starter is just about the same as selling bonsai seed. In both cases you theoretically can grow a bonsai out of it, but in reality this would take you years of growth and requires a lot of knowledge.

This is not a bonsai starter, it is a young elm, not more than 3 years old.

This tree should not be in a bonsai pot, it will need at least 5 years of growth.

www.bonsai4me.co.uk/SpeciesGuide/Ulmus.html

www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/chinese-elm

for now you need to focus on caring for the little guy.

Fine on location, as has been said it is a young plant and needs some growing. But it is a start, I would probably plant it in a flower pot and fertilise well so as to get plenty of growth. This will hopfully thicken the trunk a bit. Just let it grow this year without pruning and then see how it is in a year or so.

Thank you everyone for your help!
I guess when I said I wanted to learn the art of bonsai, I didn't realise I would pick one that means I start from the very beginning.
All the more I'll learn perhaps. Gives me more time to read up and speak to more people who have more experience.

Looking forward to posting exciting updates about my little one… except you guys might have to wait a while.

Gel_McGregor wrote:

except you guys might have to wait a while.

It's the main thing you have to do when creating any kind of structured tree. Another thing I like about bonsai is that it teaches you how valuable time is

Yes indeed it is a Chinese elm and there are many ways you could handle this small tree but If you wish to push some ramification then wait till the leaves have hardened off and then trim back on the tree to about two nodes or shoots on the tree this will force the tree to add more shoots and new leaves eventually developing into limbs. And who said it can not be in a bonsai pot. Its your tree and your choice I have many small trees in bonsai pots. The tree below is also a Chinese elm and it is ten years old and It looked just like yours almost when I started working with it. So it a matter of time and how long you wish to spend working on the tree.

Bonsai is always about the health of the tree first. What ever else you decide is entirely up to you. Luck to you and keep on working the tree.