The art of bonsai sculpting is ancient in Japan. The bonsai plant itself is not usually a dwarf plant, but instead is usually an ordinary tree or even plant that's been pruned and trained for a certain miniature effect that is pleasing to the artist.

Chinese elm bonsai are plants native to East Asia. Normally, the Chinese elm can grow up to 60 feet tall. It can be either an indoor or outdoor tree. These are great plants for those who are just starting to explore the art of bonsai because they have a very predictable growth rate and pattern, so if you do make a mistake, you just have to wait a while and the mistake will grow out - sort of like a bad haircut!

How to Care for Your Chinese Elm Bonsai

Chinese elm bonsai are fairly easy to care for - although they do need shelter from cold weather most types are hardy. The soil needs to be kept fairly moist all year, but it will need more water in the spring and early summer as temperatures warm. The plant can tolerate anything from full sun to full shade, but needs a moderate amount of light, so just use common sense. During the hot summer months your Chinese elm bonsai will need a little more shade, just to make sure the soil does not completely dry out. Also, every couple of years the bonsai will need to be repotted. This has to be done either a month before or after the major spring pruning so that your Chinese elm bonsai doesn't suffer shock to its roots.

Another aspect of the Chinese elm bonsai that makes it appealing to bonsai enthusiasts is its unique bark. From smooth, striated bark, to rough bark that looks a lot like cork, you will definitely be able to find a variety of Chinese elm bonsai you like. The rougher barks have a tendency to become more cracked and develop deeper valleys along the trunk as the Chinese elm bonsai ages. One thing to consider, however, is that the Chinese elm bonsai with smoother barks are generally a less hardy than the varieties with the rougher bark.

Chinese elm bonsai are great plants for those just beginning in the art of bonsai. If you take good care of your plant, it can provide you with an interesting addition to your home, and can help you develop your bonsai pruning skills along the way.