AusBonsai

Hey Guys,

I bought an Ulmus Parvifolia 'bonsai' from my local big box's bargain section recently. Its a charming (small) little tree that needs growing on. Considering I'd expect to pay $5 for the pot and the plant is a season or so more advanced than your standard sized $4 starter, I was happy to pay $8 for it (original price $39.99).

However, it needs to be potted up. Can I slip pot it now or is it too late in the season? I'm not sure how long ago it was put in this small pot, so it might have had recent, vigorous root work.

Thanks guys.

Hey Ces,

If the tree feels firm in the pot, it will probably have been in there for a bit. You can definitely slip pot it now, but just give it good after-care (seasol/superthrive and some shade for a few weeks. Chinese elms are pretty solid. If it is loose in its pot, then you can probably still do it, but you'll need to take more care not to disturb the new roots. Start by using a blade (something like a butter knife) to slip down the edges of the pot to loosen the soil. This will help you to get the tree out of the pot without too much pulling and general root disturbance. Turn the tree upside down and lift the pot off the soil rather than pulling the tree out of the pot. This will help you to keep the roots and soil undisturbed.

Another thing you can do is look to see if you can see root growth through the drainage holes. This will more than likely indicate an established tree.

If the worst come to the worst, simply plant the whole lot, pot and all into a bigger container. The roots will grow through the drainage holes into the new mix, just like they grow into my bench gravel!

Elms are pretty tough. I bare rooted a few young trees about 2 weeks ago and they are now starting to get moving again. I did this to combine 5 trees into a clump.

Good luck.

Andrew

Hey Andrew,

thanks for the informative reply. I'll check tomorrow but I woud guess it's had at lest 6 weeks to establish. Will pot it up ASAP.

Thanks again