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Best time to prune a Chinese Elm? 3 years 1 month ago #65532

  • SaraD84
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Hi everyone,
my name is Sara and I am new to the world of Bonsai.
I recently acquired a Chinese Elm that needs trimming/pruning, and the person I bought it from told me that it can be done any time of the year, but I read on this website that this is not true and it is better to wait for spring.
I live in Italy and my Bosai is currently staying inside near a big window. For this reason, it has not lost its leaves.
The branches though, are growing in different directions, intertwining among themselves.
I would like to trim it and wire ti before it gets too complicated for me since I am a beginner.
Do you advise me to wait for spring or can I start the process now?

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Best time to prune a Chinese Elm? 3 years 1 month ago #65541

  • Tropfrog
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Put your tree outside so it does not miss the much needed dormancy. If it has grown in winter now it is very tired and needs rest. You can cut small branches all thrue the growth season, big cuts is best done in early spring, but not this year as the tree is stressed.
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Best time to prune a Chinese Elm? 3 years 1 month ago #65544

  • leatherback
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Hi sara,

welcome to BE.

Italy is a big place. What is the weather like there in winter? Do you get frost? If so, it is not a great idea to put the tree outside, until the risk of frost is gone. Once outside, leave it outside and only protect for frost once temps drop below -10.

Depending on the substrate you might need to repot come spring. If the substrate is of bad quality (As often with trees bought in non-bonsai stores) I would repot come spring, as the trees around you start to wake up.
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Best time to prune a Chinese Elm? 3 years 1 month ago #65553

  • Ricky73
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Hi Sara,
I also live in Italy, in downtown Milano, where temps fall just slightly below 0 Celsius only for a few days in January, and I keep my three chinese elms outside all year long without any problems.

So, depending on where you are in Italy, I would suggest to put yours outside as soon as temps go steadily above 5 degrees.

And yes, I fully agree with Leatherback, repot it in good, well draining substrate in late winter - early spring (if you are in northern Italy that would be around Mid-March).
I use akadama for all my trees.
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Best time to prune a Chinese Elm? 3 years 1 month ago #65565

  • SaraD84
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Thank you so much.
I live near Bologna and we do get frost in the winter. That is why I was told to keep it inside until spring.
How would I know if the substrate is of bad quality? Sorry, as I was saying, I am new to this world.
I bought my bonsai from a bonsai nursery but regardless of my many questions, I received very general directions on how to take care of it.
Thank you again for your help

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Best time to prune a Chinese Elm? 3 years 1 month ago #65566

  • SaraD84
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Grazie Ricky!!
I live near Bologna and we do get frost sometimes too.
I know this might sound a little too much, but could I hit you up when it is time to repot to ask you for guidance? It will be my first time and even though I took the beginner course here on this website, I don't feel confident enough to do it all by myself.
I know I am asking a lot so I totally understand if you say no, it was just worth asking :)

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Best time to prune a Chinese Elm? 3 years 1 month ago #65573

  • leatherback
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Do you have a picture? Usually from a bonsai store it will be growing in something looking like little clay balls or stones. If not, it most likely is poor substrate :)

Very good to look for someone to help you out.
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Best time to prune a Chinese Elm? 3 years 1 month ago #65591

  • SaraD84
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Hi! Yes, I took a pic of the soil, but I am not sure how I can send it to you.
It won't let me do it here :(

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Best time to prune a Chinese Elm? 3 years 1 month ago #65592

  • leatherback
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You should be able to attach an image. If you write a message there should be an attachment button?
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Best time to prune a Chinese Elm? 3 years 1 month ago #65593

  • SaraD84
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Found it!!! I was hitting the quick reply, that is why I couldn't see it. Thank you!!
Here is a pic of the plant and of the soil. I moved the rock at the top a little bit so you can see it.
If you need a better picture please let me know and I'll take another one :)

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