Hi there,
I recently bought a Chinese Elm and I'm a little concerned that it may have a problem. All along the base (haven't noticed much along the trunk or on the leaves) I see this stringy white stuff that looks like mold. I can't tell what it is, and I haven't found any info online as to what it might be and what remedies I could try. This is my second bonsai - first was a Jade that took a turn and quickly deteriorated and died in about a week.
I'm watering it using a tray that I top off daily. I read that this might introduce fungus, but some others told me the tray is a reasonably good way to water the tree. I can switch to a different watering method if someone thinks it'd help solve the problem. It is in a window and gets direct sunlight in the late afternoon (between 1 and 6, I'd say). I've also considered getting rid of the ornamental rocks on top as they obscure the soil and make it hard to test whether or not it's dry (but I was told that didn't matter when using the water tray).
My first tree I think I over fertilized and burned the roots, so I'm a little wary of using chemicals unless necessary. I have a bottle of bonsai food with instructions on fertilizing.
Any help would be appreciated! Pictures attached to help identify.