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Soil problems can not just be deceiving, they can be fatal.

Depending on where you got it, the original soil may be good, or it may be fit only to be scattered with someone's ashes. In this country, at least, there's a wide range in soil quality when you buy a tree from any place but a bonsai nursery.

It sounds to me as if the layer you added may be too fine. That impedes drainage in a pot. (I can give you the basic soil science if you want; for now, I'll just say that drainage characteristics change when soil -- any soil -- is in a container -- any container.)

Unless I'm mighty much mistaken, you're into early spring now in the UK. It might actually be a good time to repot the tree, rather than leave it in poorly-draining soil. Chinese elm is known for being tough and forgiving. Just be sure to give it a month of extra TLC afterward.

If you do decide to repot, a mix of 70% good compost and 30% grit will work. Be sure to screen the ingredients first, thru a 1/16-inch mesh. (Here in the US, at least, ordinary window screen works fine.) Use only what won't go thru the screen. The rest can safely be tossed onto a garden bed.

One other strong suggestion: find a good local club and take your tree there. Experienced people there will be your best source of information and hands-on help.

Chao!

3-Mar-2008	#4
treebeard55 Transplanted Jungle Rat Join Date: Aug-2007 Location: north-central IN Country: USA USDA Zone: 5b AHS Heat Zone: 5 Posts: 343	Soil problems can not just be deceiving, they can be fatal. Depending on where you got it, the original soil may be good, or it may be fit only to be scattered with someone's ashes. In this country, at least, there's a wide range in soil quality when you buy a tree from any place but a bonsai nursery. It sounds to me as if the layer you added may be too fine. That impedes drainage in a pot. (I can give you the basic soil science if you want; for now, I'll just say that drainage characteristics change when soil -- any soil -- is in a container -- any container.) Unless I'm mighty much mistaken, you're into early spring now in the UK. It might actually be a good time to repot the tree, rather than leave it in poorly-draining soil. Chinese elm is known for being tough and forgiving. Just be sure to give it a month of extra TLC afterward. If you do decide to repot, a mix of 70% good compost and 30% grit will work. Be sure to screen the ingredients first, thru a 1/16-inch mesh. (Here in the US, at least, ordinary window screen works fine.) Use only what won't go thru the screen. The rest can safely be tossed onto a garden bed. One other strong suggestion: find a good local club and take your tree there. Experienced people there will be your best source of information and hands-on help. Chao! __________________ Treebeard 55 "... the Lord God made all kinds of trees ... trees that were pleasing to the eye ..." (Genesis 2:9, NIV.)