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Hi guys,

I have just bought bonsai tree but I can't ID it. I tried to use ID guides, but still I am confused which one I have. Can you please help me to ID ?

As well I would like to hear comments on how I should shape it as it is my first bonsai tree.


Thank you!

Looks like Chinese Elm, should be outdoors if possible, otherwise in very good daylight position. Make sure it is in free draining soil, they are usually imported and sold on in very unsuitable stuff.
For styling - I would start by thinning out the leaves a little so you can see the basic branch structure, don't do too much at once, these imported trees tend to have been chopped short and at some stage you might want to let it grow freely in a garden or much bigger pot for a year or two if you decide you want something taller and more elaborate. For now though recommend you just tidy it some and get familiar with the basic care regime - the most important feature of bonsai growing is - patience!

Dave

Chinese Elm, and will not do well indors, it is a hardy species and needs the cold of winter.

Since it is my first bonsai tree I see that I made mistake and bought a wrong one. Because I have no opportunity to grow it outside I will try my best to keep it alive inside.

So far read a lot of article how to look after it, but still any advice from experts are more than welcome.

Dave you are right, at the top it is chopped quite strongly... and it doesn't look too good.

Thanks

Not ideal for growing indoors, but you can help it a bit - as much natural light as possible, by which I mean a windowsill which gets as much daylight as possible and the tree should be as close to the window as you can get. Some humidity is good, putting the pot on a tray of damp gravel creates a humid micro climate, turn the tree regularly so that it gets light all round, don't let the soil dry out but also don't overwater - with practice you can tell by the weight of the pot if it needs watering.
Better indoor species are Ficus and Carmona (Fukien Tea) for your next purchase

Dave

Hi again.


This time I would like to get advice on pruning. I want start to form it and remove some branches. In attached photos I marked branches in red which I would like to remove. But since it's my first bonsai I would like to hear your suggestions.

Thanks

Have you looked at images of several mature defoliated Chinese Elms? That is always my first plan when shaping my trees.

I wouldn't begin any pruning right now. Think of it as more of a slow process, especially since the tree is new to you. I would focus on building its vigor right now and maybe wait at least a whole growing season before removing any branches.

Also, since you are keeping it inside, it will more than likely be a bit weaker than the normal Elm kept outside...just a factor to keep in mind when doing any major work to the tree.