Hello again everyone. It's been a while since I was lost here to identify my dieffenbacchia. Anyway, I picked up this bonsai today in the local plant shop. It was only 8euro (10 us dollars) and it looked really healthy so I thought I'd grab it. Delighted with it. Very little care instructions at all though, so want to make sure I look after. Anyone know what type it is? Or how to treat it. The tag said it was ok for indoor bright and temps 15C to 23C which is ideal for my desk at the office. what about food tablets? maybe half of one every few months? or maybe not? no idea? tag also said not to let it dry out, but not to leave it moist. Delighted with it though. It's a pleasure to look at.
It looks like an Ulmus parvifolia variety . It is hardy where you live and should be grown outside . If you plan on growing it inside - it does require a dormant period.
thanks guys.. im reading up on the care of a chinese elm now. I think your right about it being this variety all right as the leaves match the description perfectly. as always, thanks for the help :)
Lucky you getting this plant so cheaply - it is a very nice shape. In the photos the base of the tree has a whiteness on the right handside of the trunk. Was that caused by a flash when you took the photo or is there something on the trunk? ciao bertoli
Hi Bertoli, well spotted. yes it seems like a small white mark on the trunk... In the bark perhaps. I sprayed on some water and gently rubbed it and it seemed to disappear. not sure if its bark disease or just some marking that was on the bark. Plant seems healthy and the rest of the bark looks fine. yeah, for the price I had to have it. They had 5 or 6 for this price, but this one had the nicest shape I think. I know nothing about pruning or care yet, and I know that care is a big part of bonsai ownership, but I will give it a go, and even if it doesn't work out it was worth the 10bucks. :) I really find myself looking at the tree many times throughout the day which is cool. off topic: my diffenbacchia plant that I had ID'd on here months ago is thriving.. must update the thread to see if I should be doing something for it.
Hi mcgon1979 Just keep a watch on the bottom of the trunk in case it's something nasty. If it comes back you could take your plant to a local nursery for advice and buy the appropriate treatment I have two large Chinese elm trees in my garden and have started many bonsais from seedlings. They are great plants to work with and their small leaves mean that they're a bit easier to manage. All of my bonsais are grown outdoors all year round. This forum has some good bonsai links: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/local_links.php?catid=9 also, it is worth finding a local bonsai nursery so that you can see the techniques discussed on websites put into practice. ciao bertoli
