Chinese Elm Bonsai with Exposed Nebari in Blue Glazed Yixing Pot
This Chinese Elm has a really nice look, especially if you like trees with movement and a base that immediately catches your eye.
The trunk has a soft, flowing curve that moves upward through the tree instead of standing straight and rigid. It gives the bonsai a more natural feel, with branches placed at different levels to create a tiered, open structure. The tree has just been cleaned up and pruned, so you can clearly see the branch layout and where the tree is headed.
The exposed nebari is one of the best features on this elm. The roots flare out at the base and grip into the soil, giving the tree a grounded, older look. There is a nice mix of trunk texture, surface roots, and lower movement that makes the base much more interesting than a standard Chinese Elm.
The foliage pads are already established throughout the tree, with a good top canopy and side branches that can continue filling in with regular pruning. Chinese Elms respond very well to trimming, so this tree should continue to tighten up and refine nicely over time.
It is planted in a blue glazed Yixing ceramic pot. The color gives the tree a cleaner, more finished appearance and contrasts nicely with the pale trunk and green foliage.
Why We Like This Tree
- The exposed nebari: The surface roots give the base character and help the tree feel older and more grounded.
- The trunk movement: The trunk has a soft curve with good flow from the base into the upper canopy.
- The branch structure: The pads are already placed at different heights, giving the tree a nice layered look.
- The blue pot: The glazed Yixing ceramic pot adds color without overpowering the tree.
- The future potential: With regular pruning, the foliage pads should continue to fill in and become more refined.
Tree Details
- Species: Chinese Elm
- Style: Informal upright bonsai with exposed nebari
- Height: 21" from table to apex
- Spread: 19"
- Pot: 12" glazed Yixing ceramic pot
- Recent Work: Recently pruned and cleaned up for photography
- Ships From: Our Florida nursery
Care Notes
Chinese Elm is a strong, forgiving bonsai species and a favorite for both newer bonsai owners and experienced collectors. It likes bright light and should be watered when the soil begins to dry slightly. Do not let the tree completely dry out.
In warm climates, Chinese Elm can be grown outdoors most or all of the year. In colder areas, it should be protected from freezing temperatures and overwintered appropriately. Regular pruning will help maintain the shape and encourage the foliage pads to become denser over time.
Shipping Information
This Chinese Elm ships from our Florida nursery. We carefully pack each bonsai to help protect the pot, trunk, branches, foliage, and exposed surface roots during transit.
Please note: This is the exact tree shown in the photos.
Please Note
- All trees are sold as-is.
- All sales are final – no refunds, returns, or exchanges.
- Once the tree leaves our nursery, care is your responsibility.
- Have questions? Just reach out—we’re happy to help.
Learning Resources and Bonsai Tree Care Guides:
Bonsai trees are not all the same - and neither is their care. Read our specific care sheets for individual bonsai species. Read the Bonsai Care Guides
Shipping Bonsai Trees:
Bonsai trees are generally shipped on Mondays & Tuesdays to avoid having them stay in the boxes for any extra time over the weekends.
Shipping Non-Tree Items
All non-bonsai items such as bonsai pots and bonsai supplies are shipped within 48 hours of receiving payment. Most orders are shipped either the same day or the next day, depending on the time of day the order is received.
Important Guidelines:
** We cannot ship to a FPO, APO, P.O. Box or to locations in Alaska, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii or anywhere internationally.
** All Bonsai are shipped direct from the nursery and may ship separately from other items purchased via the Bonsai Outlet.
** If extreme weather is expected, we may delay shipping your Bonsai tree to guarantee a healthy arrival; in such a case we will contact you. We are shipping living trees and must be conscious of the temperature conditions to the delivery address, as well as, while in transit. That said, we reserve the right to hold the tree(s) to guarantee a healthy delivery. We will Hold Your Tree Until It is Safe to Ship.
