I just purchased a "Japanese" Zelcova (elm) tree intended for an indoor bonsai but what arrived was a 28 inch rootling in a dormant (leafless) stage.
Two questions:
1. Did my google search mislead me to think that Zelcova can be indoor when it should be outdoor? If so, can I keep it indoors with a grow light and just put outside for a winter dormancy?
2. Can I prune it down to 12 inches (there are four branches below 12 inchs?

thanks.

First, it is difficult to tell if it is really a Zelkova or a Elm if it has no leaves.
Could you please post a picture of the tree so ee can chack soil conditions?

the tree came with bound roots, no soil to speak of; I soaked overnight and planted this morning.

PortageBay wrote: I soaked overnight and planted this morning.

Bonsai is all about patience.
You "soaked overnight"?
No good. Not a useful technique.
You repotted it already? Even when the tree is leafless and apparently dormant (or sick; or dead; we don't know).
No good. Not a wise decision.
Please be patient, read as much as possible about your little tree habits, DON'T hard prune it, wire it, repot it, defoliate it or fertilize it until you are sure you can keep it alive.

the overnight soaking was based on recommendation by nursery that sent the plant. so I just leave it bare-rooted until.... what? the tree is alive based on green appearing with gentle scrape.

Advising to soak a tree should be prosecuted by law. The same like with branding tree in pot as bonsai in stores.

Don't leave it barerooted of course!

Hi,

good steps & advice from the nursery. I am sure people in the tropics do not realize: In temperate climate a lot of trees are sold bare-rooted at this time of year. It safes a lot on transport cost. The roots are wrapped in cloth/foil and need to get soaked in water for several hours before planting.

I have bought a bunch of apple seedlings like this a few years ago. I did a lot of trimming./

Whether to trim or not depends a lot on the future you see for them I suppose. If they are thick enough, you could trim. Else, probably leave all material there. But let's see some pictures & hear your ideas for the future.

leatherback wrote: I am sure people in the tropics do not realize: In temperate climate a lot of trees are sold bare-rooted at this time of year.

Right, I have never seen barefooted trees being sold around here.
And so if you leave them barerooted for some time (days) nothing bad happens?
That's news for me!

Ah well.. What is some time . At the store they have them usually under a big pil of dirt. They pull them out, wrap the roots in burlap and ship them off. Then the new owner is suppose to plant them as soon as possible. As the plants are completely dormant, they survive quite well. Iwas surprised by the practice ass well, and expected a mortality rate way higher than you would want, but did not loose a single tree to the bare-root transport. Isuspect it is only for specific species though!