Soil and Fertilizer for 3 yr. old Chinese Elm

foxhound300

I was wondering if someone could tell me what type of soil and fertilizer would be best for my Chinese Elm. I bought my elm last April from ebay from a large plant company and they said it was 3 yrs old. I have never repotted it, fertilized it, or anything except water it. I've seen how sturdy it was because for a while in the summer I was gone a lot and one day it rained so I put it out on my deck and left it in the scorching east texas sun for a week and a half! But I've revived him and he's green again (a little out of control with his hairstyle tho).
But anyway, sorry for going off topic, a lot of soil has fallen off of it and some root is showing and I know thats bad and I was thinking of just repotting him, then fertilize him. I'll put a picture on soon of the tree but I just joined today.
Thanks again.

__________________
My Bonsai: a 3-4 year old Chinese Elm

Advertisement

MelloBonsai

Something that will resist compaction and stay moist without becoming water logged. The soil should drain easily. Chinese Elm can tolerate poor soil which is good news.

Some people like buying premixed soils and others prefer to make their own. You won't want to use typical potting or topsoil though. Akadama clay is popular, but can get kind of expensive. For one tree it may not be prohibitive.

You could try a liquid fertilizer at half the recommended dose as necessary.

__________________
Click here for bonsai trees and supplies