名媛直播

Hello all,

Thanks in advance for any help provided to a beginner bonsai keeper from London, UK. We were gifted a Chinese Elm bonsai in April and I'd like to seek some advice.

Location: Originally he was kept in a full sun window and seemed happy. We then noticed that the leaves were dying off, even with twice daily watering. I realised that it's likely drying out too much due to the heat.
Late May I moved him to a much cooler north east facing window (This is really our only option, no side of house windows - it's NE or SW). He then dropped all leaves. The leaves bounced back as you can see in the photographs attached, so I put this down to change of temperature/sunlight.

Watering: Checking twice daily still but finding in new location he's doing okay with once daily in the morning. Use tap water - if it helps I can supply the Thameswater report on the area but the summary page states: Calcium carbonate(CaCO3): 268 ppm - Hard water. I don't often mist spray, I've done this once or twice. I use a spray can to water the soil directly because it's easier for me.

Feeding: I've been feeding once a week with the supplied Chrysal 名媛直播 Plant food (4-6-6). The pack says 5ml per L, but I use 1.25mL per 250mL as a litre is way too much. He drains to his dripping tray from 250mL.

Current problem: I've now noticed that a few of the leaves have a white substance on the surface - see attached photograph. Also, some healthy leaves are dropping again. Is there anything I can do differently?
Also, I removed the metal wires around the trunk but I've now found more. Should I have removed these, and should I remove the remaining ones?

Thanks,
Matt

P.S. please excuse the mess, I removed dead leaves then took photographs immediately after.

P.P.S. not sure why photographs are rotated - apologies. I uploaded them in portrait.

Your tree really needs to be outside, inside it will die. Give it a shady spot first and then gradually into the sun. Water when soil feels dry. Your tree will be much happier soon.

It just needs to be outside. All Chinese Elms drop their leaves like this when inside during the summer.

lucR wrote: Your tree really needs to be outside, inside it will die. Give it a shady spot first and then gradually into the sun. Water when soil feels dry. Your tree will be much happier soon.

Buffy Fan wrote: It just needs to be outside. All Chinese Elms drop their leaves like this when inside during the summer.

Many thanks for both of your input.

My options for outside are:

1) Sun trap out front, gets easily up to 30 on a hot day.

2) NW facing garden out back. No platforms for a bonsai to sit on, all flat grass. Would I just stick him on the ground?

To the back of the garden are trees that provide shade, I could start there first?

Right now some shade would be better, but do not take it inside again. Sun does not harm, lack of water does. If you don't have something to put the plant on then find a box or table.

m5eaygeoff wrote: Right now some shade would be better, but do not take it inside again. Sun does not harm, lack of water does. If you don't have something to put the plant on then find a box or table.

Thank you for the information. Are you suggesting that I should also leave the plant outside for Winter? Would you bring it inside due to any inclement weather, such as hail or high speed winds?

In London it should be fine outside the whole year. It Will benefit from protection, but it seems like your garden is protected enough allready.

Yes it needs no protection other than excessive rain so under a table would suffice. Mine do not have any protection. In free draining soil they are fine. If you think there is to much water then tilt the pot and put a small brick or lump of wood under the edge to allow the water to drain. I would remove at least some of the moss as it looks quite thick and may prevent water penetrating the soil. I am about 80 miles south east of you in Dorset.