leatherback wrote: Auk, how about this. I do not post the next steps here and you and I both spend the rest of summer working on our trees and then show what we have done, and the plan for the future?

I got this one for free (workshop at the Cherry Blossom Festival where I attended a workshop - which I attended as we got to keep the tree).
My plans were different - I wanted to find how hard it is to take care for these plants. I am already seeing a few yellowing leaves (2 or 3, not much yet), but I expect that, even while it gets the same care as my other plants, it will get worse. Main reason: the soil. Forget it once on a sunny day and it dries out and shrinks. The result is that, when you water it, the water will not easily penetrate the soil but run off on the sides, through the space between the pot and the soil,
I guess the result is that the soil dries out even quicker, and the problem gets worse. I also guess that's why the advise is to submerge these plants - which I have done once so far. Not tried your tip to submerge it in luke warm water yet.

However, interesting idea. I'll repot it today.

Auk wrote: I'll repot it today.

First thing I did when I got mine(repot it); never submerged it in its new soil.

Felidae wrote: I wrote this, cause you sent me a pm which I cannot answer for more than two weeks due to the forum settings (I told to you in the forum), and when I finally did (twice), you don’t even open them. I’m okay with this, just I didn’t know the reason and that could be frustrating sometimes. Not a big deal...On other hand, I’m a joker. Here, when I saw the funny part from Clicio I couldn’t resist. It’s fine also. I can restrict myself just for serious communication if my jokes are not acceptable for you.

Na, this is not about you. See your messages!

Clicio wrote:

Auk wrote: I'll repot it today.

First thing I did when I got mine(repot it); never submerged it in its new soil.

I left it in the original soil on purpose. Plans have changed so it has been repotted now.

Double post..

Auk wrote: I left it in the original soil on purpose. Plans have changed so it has been repotted now.

So.. I am not posting an update till the end of summer?

I repotted this afternoon. You can now see the awesome nebarries on my bonsi.

On a more serious level: I have no idea where to go with this. I need to get rid of that 45 degree straight bend but that would mean cutting it off and more than 5 years for a result that you described: no visible wounds. I am VERY curious what you have done. But we”ll see whete this goes. So, update end of summer. probably not an interesting one.

I should have put this in the ground....

Does Ulmus close cutmakrs?

Auk wrote: I am VERY curious what you have done. But we”ll see whete this goed. So, update end of summer. probably not an interesting one.

Yeah, let's say that MUCH LESS is left of the orginal plant.I think over 80% is gone. Praying now it survives. Just loaded a cm of fertlizer on the substrate. Yeah. Breaking ALL the rules here.

That probably tells me enough. I did not dare to do the same yet. I did prune after this photo though. Not 80 pct., maybe 40/50.

I did frrtilize too - not as much as you did though.

At least it is still alive!

Will place a real update in the first week of September, and ask all participating in the www.bonsaiempire.com/forum/general/11609...mus-bonsai-challenge to also update.