Help with my chinese elm and cotonease bonsai trees.

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Hi, i have just bought a 5 year old bonsai chinese elm, and was wondering if anyone could help by explaining how to properly form the tree using bonssai wire, and also when it needs repotting. I have a 1 year old cotonease(i think thats how you spell it) and was wondering if there are any special things needed to be done to it, i.e bringing in when frosty. Any nice designs also welcome. Thanks

[Clanad]

Here are 10 good things to remember when working withyour bonsai:

1. A  bonsai should be planted in a container deep enough to comfortably sustain its health and life. (This rule supersedes all other rules.)

2. An unglazed container is always correct for any tree and almost mandatory for evergreen bonsai.

3. Glazed containers are usually reserved for deciduous trees or trees which bear flowers or fruit. Color usually complements some element of the tree.

4. Trees which exhibit "masculine" design elements should be planted in containers which are angular. Such elements might include, angular trunk movement, sharp downward branch movement or extensive use of jin and shari.

5. Trees which exhibit "feminine" design elements are best planted in containers with soft flowing lines. Such elements might include gentle trunk movement, curving branch patterns or rounded crowns.

6. For most bonsai the width of the pot should be a little more than 2/3 the total height of the tree.

7. In situation where the tree is wider than it is tall, the container width  should be slightly less than 2/3 the spread of the left and right branches.

8. The depth (top to bottom) of a pot should be about the same as the width of the trunk base at its widest point (unless this rule conflicts with rule #7 or #1).

9. The width of a container (front to back) should be slightly narrower than the spread of the longest branches in the front and back.

10. The container selected should always be subordinate to the tree planted in it. i.e. - Keep it simple

(Source - Bonsai Enjoyment)
(Contd.)

[Clanad]

(Contd.)

Working with a deciduous trees such as yours, the heavy copper wire will help you train the branches in the direction you want them to go.  There are no hard, fast rules, but the end result should reflect balance... The trained branches should not be placed in unnatural positions.  Take a look here for some ideas:

http://www.bonsainorthshore.com/elms.html

Notice that with the Ulmus Parvifolia, that strong trunks lend an attractive tone to the overall bonsai... Notice that branches are trained to not have leaves or smaller branches growing from inside curves... The Chinese Elm lends itself to the technique of roots over rocks... you may wish to try that.  At any rate, enjoy your hobby and don't rush things.  Things of great beauty take time... Good luck!

[Clanad]

Sorry, the links apparently didn't work... let's try this one for some ideas...

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-601/426-601.html

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thanks

[mystress]

Clanad,

Am I correct in thinking that Bonsai Trees should (if at all possible) not be repotted,as this helps to "stunt" the growth,and keep them miniature?

[Clanad]

Actually, mystress, in my opinion, it's important that the bonsai always has sufficient room for root growth.  If it needs to be repotted, the roots are carefully "combed out" and then, equally as carefully, trimmed with the bonsai scissors by about 1/3.  On repotting, it's important that no air pockets be allowed to form.  There is a line of thinking that keeping the plant root bound, causes stunted growth. However, this technique generally leads to short life for the plant.  Some bonsai's, especailly those of evergreen persuasion are over 100 years old... and most beautiful.  There's something extremely serene about a well maintained bonsai...

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Thankyou....just also wondering, can i plant any type of tree ,(from seed), and will it grow? What about growing from a pistachio(sorry bout spelling) ? Thanks again