hi, I just got a chinese elm bonsai. It’s 20 years old, and i got it already in a pot, there is no mesh/screen over the drainage holes tho-
So should I repot now to add them so it’s easier to water and also so I can add some better soil, or any other ideas??
Help is much appreciated

Can you post a picture of the tree?

But if you just got it, don't do any intervention, let it adapt to it's new spot, and please, keep it outside...
For a few days don't put it directly on the sun, it's better to put it on a shadier/half-sun spot for two weeks or so, whe you see it's adapted and budding, you can put it on full sun position...

Plus, I would repot only because of the mesh... it's just so the soil won't flow out, and it helps a bit so the drainage hole doesn't get obstructed, if the water is flowing well, there's no issue...

Here are some photos, it’s located in my window, since I can’t have it outside because the weather is very cold, rainy and stormy atm.
I tried watering it today, and I’ll see if I need to add the drainage screen. If not, I will just add it if I repot in the spring with new soil

If it is raining it is not cold, put it outside or it will die.

Wait so, if I don’t put it outside it will die?? Isn’t the Chinese elm an indoor tree? As said, I got it today

Indoor tree is used by the industry about less hardy plants that benefits from some protection in the winter. They are grown in greenhouse, not living room conditions. The best for a hobbyist is to grow them outside all year around just protecting them in greenhouse or a shed when temps drop below minus 10. Mine was deep frozen in 6 weeks this winter. I was a little bit worried, but now the buds are swelling as a sign that it survived. Indoor would have been more risky.

Just to correct a typo that means a lot... hahah "I WOULDN'T repot only because of the mesh..."

And about the position, it's just because on most garden they're kept under a shade netting...

Ohhhh!!! Ok, thats Very helpful ) THANK you so much

Wow, this thread is very informational. Thank you for the information, I learned a lot.