Chinese Elm, #2201

Bought off a Bonsai truck on the side of the road, 10yr old, nice movement and pot. Was weak when purchased ($80 or $100). Cared for and recovered. Trimming and a little wiring.

July 27, 2025 Summer Pruning

  • Pruned to 1-2 leaves

  • Cleaned out congested and crossing branches

  • Pruned for taper

  • Pruned any straight vertical or descending branches

  • May consider lowering (angling) lower branches to fill the negative space

  • Consider repotting into a colander to bulk up the base—or in the spring

July 2023 growing well. Reviewing calendar and pruning notes, have not primed much before. Cut back branches to 3-4 nodes/leaves to encourage ramification and more dense foilage.

Aug 2 SBBK (Val):

  • If the goal is more foilage density, then cut back tertiary branches to 2nd leaf or node—building ramification. Chinese Elms May allow up to 10 trimming in a growing season if healthy.

  • Allow lower branches to grow long and thick, proportionate to the trunk.