Chinese Elm--Looking Chinese

pootsie

Bisco, I may be mistaken, but I think that the baobab pix you posted is actually a species found on madagascar.

Other than that, I totally agree with you.

Thomas, where's the follow up?

pootsie

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Columbus Bonsai Society

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bisco_bonsai

Good eye pootsie! I just grabbed a baobab pic. out of my files and listed the scientific name of the type I'm most familiar with. The digitata's have a better root stock but I like the "field" habit of this other species much better. The digitata's are a bit shorter and more clumped looking in the field. Thanks for catching my mistake.

As a side note, I believe the growht forms of the African trees have been under-utilized in bonsai and tray landscapes. Perhaps I haven't seen them, though. Some of the most unique and beautiful growth habits I've ever seen in nature are found in the African plains. It would definitely be a change of pace from the common mountain/stream landscapes; who knows though, it could be a disaster!
All the best,
JDL

Thomas_J.

Well I have to say I was pretty shocked when I saw this thread revived form over two years ago. first of all I was finally able to reduce the tree down to a smaller pot than the one in the original post. The first pic shows the tree right after repotting in the Spring of 2004. The second was taken this past Dec.

Many people have said that I should do an air layer to remove those unsightly roots. To me that would be a mistake because lowering the tree that much would take away from the character that I have tried to develop in the chinese look, including the unsightly roots. I would like this tree to be known for its Winter look rather than the full leaf look so that the roots and bare branches intertwine in the full picture, rather than be an eyesore possibly the other way. I have always loved how the chinese style their trees using the best with what they have and not being concerned with major flaws but using them to their best advantage. I know this way isn't for everyone, but for me it's something that breaks the rules in a nice way.

By the way, I think it's funny how some said they preferred the original look before I restyled it. I thought that thing was so ugly it depressed me. I guess everyone sees things sometimes a lot differently than others.

Attached Images

	elm 189 to post.jpg (49.2 KB, 67 views)
	elm 189 12-05(96).jpg (65.0 KB, 87 views)

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Thomas J.

Nic

G'day Thomas,

I reckon the new front is nicer and agree with you about the roots - they match the character of the tree.

All the best,
Nic

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acousticco

I fully agree with your decision to keep the roots as they are. It gives the tree the look of living on an eroded riverbank or flood plane, lush and healthy but slowly being exposed.

-Cody

Marke2020

Hi,

I really like your tree and although it will be a very long time until I can do something like that it does get you excited!!

I have 2 bonsai I am beginning with - one Chinese Elm and a Japanese Ash. I got the Elm after reading these where the best for a beginner to start with. The Ash has proved to be a little hard to establish examples of how one should look but if I can keep it alive I m sure I get there.

My Elm is 2 years old - other that water and feed it do you recommend anything else? and am I right in thinks that your should nt start training them until their at least 5 years old?


Kind regards,

Marke2020