Chinese elm tree Pros and Cons, Care, Identification

The Chinese Elm is indigenous to China and other parts of south-east Asia. It has the potential to become a towering tree in its natural habitat, achieving heights of up to 80 feet. It forms a fine branch out-growth with little leaves, making it an excellent bonsai plant. 

Chinese elm may grow in either full sun or light shade. It may be left outside throughout the winter in temperate climates. If you have a Chinese Elm Bonsai inside, you can move it outside during the summertime. However, during the winter months, it is recommended to bring it inside to a space that is cool but not subject to freezing temperatures.

The Chinese Elm can typically withstand some frost, though this varies according to the place from wherever it was brought. Trees that originate from northern regions of China are more resistant to frost than trees that originate from southern regions. Chinese elms shed their leaves during the winter depending on the weather, although some varieties preserve their leaves until April when new shoots appear.

Chinese elm tree Pros

The Chinese elm is a tall decorative deciduous tree that provides shade. It is a strong, resilient, upright tree that expands rapidly to 40 to 60 feet in height and width and is simple to transplant. The Chinese Elm is an excellent choice for a street or urban tree due to its resistance to pollutants and Dutch elm disease. 

The Chinese elm is extremely valuable as a medicinal plant. The leaves are both an antidote and a demulcent. The stem bark is utilized for its demulcent, diuretic, cough suppressant, antipyretic, sedative, and lithontriptic properties. People with fever or Neuritis can use the flowers to help them feel better.

Chinese elm tree Cons

It might be invasive. When branches are subject to the stress of wind, snow, or ice, they have the potential to break. Chinese Elm, like many other common foods, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Eyes that are red and itchy, as well as skin irritations, are typical symptoms. Fortunately, this is not a common occurrence. The reaction can be stopped by taking an antihistamine. Additionally, a very low number of individuals had harmful reactions. The symptoms include extremely sensitive mouth, tongue, and throat. Consuming liquids like milk or water can help alleviate this condition. 

Chinese elm tree Care

•  The Chinese Elm is relatively tolerant but dislikes drought and significant temperature changes.
• Temperatures in the range of 60 to 70 ° F are ideal for the majority of tropical bonsai trees that are planted inside. Chinese elms require a lot of light, just like the majority of bonsai. Because of its relatively modest intensity, direct morning sunshine is ideal for practically all bonsai; thus, select a space that receives the most light during the course of the day.
• Chinese Elms love slightly damp soil. If you do not feel much wetness when you press your finger a half an inch into the soil, then it is most likely time to water the Chinese Elm Bonsai. Avoid letting the soil become fully dry for a long period of time.
• Your bonsai needs to be pruned often to keep it in the proper form and to promote new growth. This necessitates cutting off young shoots, buds, and short branches. 

Chinese elm tree Identification

Chinese elm leaves are typically dark green in colour, shiny in appearance, and alternately arranged. The tree's trunk has colourful speckled bark with shades of orange, green, and a greyish brown. The Chinese elm is also known as the Lacebark elm because of its lace-like structure.