How to grow a zelkova bonsai? Detailed cultivation methods and precautions

  Zelkova is a sun-loving tree species, so it prefers a sunny and warm growing environment and is suited to deep, fertile and moist soil, but it is highly adaptable to soil, so its soil requirements are not strict; it can survive in acidic, neutral or alkaline soil environments.

  Zelkova roots tend to grow quite deep, and its lateral roots are also well developed, so it has strong wind resistance; however, it fears dampness, especially water accumulating in the pot, and it is not tolerant of drought but tolerant of poor soil, and it also grows rather slowly, so it has a relatively long lifespan. So how do you grow zelkova as a bonsai?

  1. Light

  Since zelkova prefers sunlight, its bonsai must not be placed in a dark spot for long periods, otherwise it is prone to leaf drop. We usually need to keep it in a spot with plenty of light and good ventilation for care. But the summer sun is too intense, so shade measures should be taken appropriately.

  2. Temperature

  Zelkova is fairly heat-tolerant but not cold-tolerant, especially in the cold winter; to ensure the plant can overwinter successfully, the ambient temperature should not be lower than 5°C. If the outdoor conditions in winter are rather harsh, it is recommended to keep it indoors in a sunny and warm spot to avoid frost damage.

  3. Watering

  Zelkova likes a moist but not soggy soil environment, so watering should be timely and moderate. It is recommended to water more in summer than in other seasons, and watering should be strictly controlled in winter. In addition, to supplement moisture, we also recommend spraying water on the leaves, going from top to bottom until the bottom is thoroughly watered.

  4. Fertilizing

  Summer and autumn are the vigorous growth periods for zelkova; to meet its growth needs, we should appropriately increase nutrients for it, mainly to supplement nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. We can apply fertilizer once a month, and it is recommended to use fully fermented and decomposed cake fertilizer water. Fertilizer should be applied along the inner edge of the pot, and water should be given immediately after fertilizing.

  5. Pruning

  To make the zelkova bonsai grow more lush and beautiful, we sometimes need to prune it reasonably and as necessary. Zelkova pruning is best done in early spring, but for the sake of the tree shape, we also need to appropriately prune new branches and leaves, and everyone can also prune according to personal preference.