When my Elm drops seeds in a few months, I'm thinking about grabbing a couple and trying to maybe bonsai myself an American Elm.
Anyone have any experience with bonsai? I've been watching some stuff on Youtube but have no experience with it at all.
Much of bonsai care is dictated by the species of tree that you chose to use (Light, water, temperature, nutrient requirements, ext.)
- American Elm seeds are one of the few types of elm that do not require cold stratification to germinate although the procedure still does aid germination. Seeds collected in the spring can be grown in the same season.
- Bonsai trees like a well draining soil, I would avoid using a glazed pot to prevent fungal and moisture control issues. The bottom of the pot should have a screen to prevent the little amount of soil you have from draining out. However, if the screen is too small it will actually discourage adequate draining and cause diseases like root rot. That being said I would to a series of tests and start with a screen that is about the same micron measurements as a screen door and work from there.
I have a book about bonsai maintenance, I will set aside some time to locate it and relay more information to you at a later date.
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