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Hello, I am new here but am concerned about my bonsai
I have had it for about 5 years (I think its a Chinese elm) and in this time it has been doing well...... lately tho it has lost all of its leaves, new leaves grow but quickly turn brown. Right now it is totally leafless! The stem feels a bit loose in the pot - should this be repotted and if so what do I use and how. Totally ignorant as this was given to me as a present and all I have done is water it, and use a feed.

Thank you so much and apologies if this question has been asked before

I am sure we can give you some beneficial information but we will need a bit more information.

Where do you live and what zone are you in? What conditions have the tree been kept in (inside/outside)? What type of soil are you using and what is your watering schedule? Have you been fertilizing?

Keeping a healthy tree depends on a lot of different factors...not necessarily difficult, but they require a good bit of attention.

Hi, thanks for prompt reply
Ok I live in East Sussex, UK.
The tree is inside, stands by a window where there is a lot of light
No Idea what soil has been used, but it did have like moss on top of it which is now blackish?
When I water the tree, I stand it in a basin of water which feed has been added to - have been doing this since I had it and it seemed very healthy.
Thanks

Why don't you upload a picture of the tree, and a close up of the soil conditions, or as you put it "Black Moss". Have you taken a look at the root ball by pulling it out? It sounds to me like you are having a root issue.

I really don't know much about keeping these trees - have just watered it so when you ask have I checked the root ball - its a no (sorry)
here is a pic of it - thanks

If it has been in that pot for the entire 5 years you have owned the tree, it sounds like it is definitely ready for a repotting in the spring. It looks like it has outgrown that pot with its current root structure. You can move it to a larger pot or possibly do a root trim and place it in the same pot. If you want it to grow in size, you could move it up to a larger pot.

My experience with moss varies. If it grows too thick it can make it somewhat difficult for watering. Also, if it begins to get too thick around the trunk it increases the moisture level and can cause rotting over time.

If you have keep it healthy for 5 years it seems like you are doing a good job. It is probably just time for some regular maintenance.

Are you sure it is still alive? It has lost all leaves. Not enough light is one problem too dry is another atmosphere that is, and possibly under or overwatering.
If you are lucky it is still alive but I would not put money on it

so how would I repot it - I mean what soil should I buy as when I look there are different types and am unsure.
also would I just repot as I do a normal house plant? I would prefer to leave it in the pot it is in - how do I root trim?
Sorry for all these questions but as I said....... I have no idea and I don't want this tree to die
thank you

Buy a slightly bigger pot and repot it immediately. It is obviously still alive for now, because it has green leaves on it. When I say repot it immediately, I mean take it out of the current pot without disturbing the roots and place it in a bigger pot, without doing any trimming and agitation of the root ball. The extra space will give it room to grow. Because no trimming or agitation is being done to the roots, shock will be minimal or next to nothing. Then get a low NPK fertilizer and some vitamin B and feed it lightly. Not sure if you have been giving this tree nutrients? As far as soil goes, for now just buy a generic bonsai soil until you develop your own. Cant be any worse than the soil thats in it. Last thing, check the roots for root rot when you pull it out, if it has root rot it is being over watered. Over watering is very easy to do indoors.

jmoney your avice contradicts itself...dont disturb the roots but check for root rot...

noonabell
has this tree always been inside? how long do the leaves stay green before falling off?...
you have had this tree for 5 years so it was in good soil at one time but it has deteriated and now there is probubly more roots than soil in the pot. look for a bonsai store online in your surrounding area and buy bonsai soil 1/8 inch granular size. once the soil gets to you let us know.for now you can put potting soil on the surface to replace the moss