(Untitled)

[2partswater]

I recently received a Zelkova as a present and this being my first bonsai, I would like some professional (experienced) opinions. The gift giver was told that this was a completely indoor tree. I've found conflicting information online. I've attached photos of what it currently looks like because some of the leaves have a yellowish shade to them. I

Comments

[nulldevice]

Zelkova are a bit fussy about climate. Indoor/outdoor...they really hover on the border there. In Zone5 up north here you couldn't winter them outside, but they do need a slightly colder period.

I don't know if that's your problem, though.

What kind of soil is it in? It looks like...marble chips? Is that like that all the way down or is that just a decorative top layer? Soil can make a huge difference to the health of a tree.

[2partswater]

It's just a decorative type of type layer of pebbles but to be honest, I don't know of the type of soil. I intend on emailing the company later to find out. I've been offered free trimming when warranted. I live in Wilmington, NC so I'm afraid that the "saltier" air may affect it. What would you suggest next?

[nulldevice]

Salty air shouldn't be a problem, although salty water might.

I would suggest digging in a little under the decorative stones. Make sure there's a loose, fast-draining, soil underneath - usually a mix of fine gravel or coarse sand, fired clay and peat. If the tree is sitting in sphagnum moss or regular dirt, I'd suggest repotting it. A tree that needs water as regularly as a bonsai also needs a soil that can drain and regulate it - moss and regular dirt hold too much and can cause root rot.

If the rocks are glued on, chip them off immediately.

[2partswater]

Yes, there is a mix of peat, coarse sand, and fired clay according to the handout that came with the tree. It definitely drains fast so I water it in the sink and then return it back to it's "home" position. Would you say that the coloring of the leaves look normal? The lighter green of some of the leaves worry me. Not the light green of the new growth but of the older leaves. Just curious. Perhaps that normal. At least I now have these pictures as evidence (documentation).

Thanks so much for all of your help!