Celtis Questions

m_s_ifland

Does anyone know about Celtis(Hackberry)? I collected 4 elms and 4 celtis earlier this year. The elms are flouishing with growth, the celtis have none.
I collected and trunk chopped them and put them into pots.
I thought since Celtis were in the Elm family they would respond the same to a chop. I thought since it is all 4 of them responding the same way that maybe they are just slow growers or don't respond to chopping very well.

Anyone know

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rockm

Hackberrry are extremely hardy, possibly hardier than elm. I have several that were pulled up by the roots in Texas in April and shipped to me here in Va. via regular mail. Took a week to get here.

They all broke new growth within two weeks of arriving and have put on substantial growth since then. I have used very free draining bonsai mix 70/30 haydite/sifted pine bark mulch...

Soil conditions might play a role here. Hard to tell without knowing the conditions.

m_s_ifland

Soil mix is 50/50 miricale gro potting mix and premium oildri. It's very free draining, I pour the water on and it doesn't stay on top for more than 1 second, it instantly drain and comes out of the bottom.

Candy_J_Shirey

My hackberry is putting out alot of new growth right now. It is in a very free draining soil (no organics) and enjoying the warm temps and rains. I am finger pinching quite a bit every day.

It would seem that it is not a good sign for yours to not be showing any new growth yet.

My guess is that the potting soil in your mix has caused your problems.

-Candy

soonami

My mother gave me a celtis bonsai that was in decline but after heavy root pruning and a repot, the tree is doing fantastically pushing buds inches from the soil on a 50cm tree. I also used a very free draining soil of mostly calcined clay. I suspect either your collection technique or repotting is to blame for their lack of performance.

Are the trees not breaking buds at all our are they just slow? If they are not doing great, but still alive, then that's all you need.

m_s_ifland

Well, I did the fingernail scrape and it's green underneath. As far as my soil and collection technique they are the same on the elms and they are doing great. I wouldn't know why it would be any different on the Celtis.

Joanie

Here's a thread that might show you how tough they are...

Joanie

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rockm

Get the hackberries out into full sun. The heat will kick start them. Mine are in full sun for more than 8 hours a day.