Imported Chinese Elm Bonsai: Exposed Root and Classic Styles
Small leaves, winding trunks, and roots worth taking a second look at. This group of imported Chinese Elms has plenty to work with, and each tree brings something different to the bench.
Some have exposed roots that lift the trunk above the soil and become a major part of the design. Others have a more traditional base, with the movement happening through the trunk and branches. If you enjoy choosing your own tree and developing it over time, take a close look through this group.
What I like about these Elms is that you can already see where they’re going. There’s a foundation to build on, with room to develop the canopy, refine the branching, and make the tree your own. Choose the trunk and root structure that catches your eye. The foliage is something you’ll continue to shape.
These trees are currently growing at our Florida nursery and will ship directly from there.
Choose the Actual Tree You’ll Receive
Every numbered option has its own photographs. Select your tree by its tree number, and we’ll send that individual tree in its pictured pot. Look through all the views before choosing. An exposed root arrangement, a bend in the trunk, or the placement of a branch may be the detail that makes one your favorite.
Available Trees
Select a tree number above to see its photographs and price. Height is measured from the table to the apex, so it includes the pot. Spread is the overall width of the branches, and pot size is the width of the pot.
| Tree Number | Style | Height | Spread | Pot Size | Pot | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19259 | Exposed Root | 18 in. | 11 in. | 8½ in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $285 |
| 19310 | Exposed Root | 13 in. | 9 in. | 8½ in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $285 |
| 19389 | Classic | 12 in. | 9 in. | 7 in. | Glazed Japanese ceramic | $235 |
| 23012 | Classic | 14 in. | 9 in. | 8 in. | Unglazed Yixing ceramic | $245 |
| 23016 | Exposed Root | 16 in. | 13 in. | 9½ in. | Glazed Japanese ceramic | $285 |
| 23024 | Classic | 15 in. | 11 in. | 7½ in. | Unglazed Yixing ceramic | $265 |
| 23027 | Classic | 15 in. | 10 in. | 7 in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $245 |
| 23042 | Exposed Root | 17 in. | 10 in. | 7 in. | Glazed Japanese ceramic | $285 |
| 23059 | Exposed Root | 15 in. | 11 in. | 8 in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $285 |
| 23132 | Exposed Root | 17 in. | 9 in. | 8 in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $285 |
| 23143 | Exposed Root | 17 in. | 11 in. | 8 in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $285 |
| 23161 | Exposed Root | 15 in. | 12 in. | 7 in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $285 |
| 23185 | Classic | 15 in. | 9 in. | 8¾ in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $195 |
| 23232 | Exposed Root | 18 in. | 12 in. | 9½ in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $285 |
| 23814 | Classic | 15 in. | 12 in. | 7¼ in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $245 |
| 23837 | Classic | 14 in. | 9 in. | 6 in. | Glazed Yixing ceramic | $195 |
Measurements are approximate.
A Note About Pruning and Photography
You’ll notice that some trees look more closely trimmed than others. Some received a little more pruning before photography. Others had already been pruned recently, and I didn’t want to cut them back again simply to make every photograph look alike before shipping.
Please look beyond how full or tidy the canopy appears today. The photographs show the individual tree, including its current stage of development. New growth, pruning, and seasonal changes will continue to change its appearance.
Shipping From Our Florida Nursery
Your selected tree ships from our Florida nursery in its pictured pot for a flat $22 per tree. It will be watered as needed, secured, and packed carefully for shipment. Live trees generally ship early in the week (Monday / Tuesday). Minor movement of the foliage, soil, or growing medium may occur during transit.
Expect your Chinese Elm to shed foliage during shipping and while settling in. It may arrive with a thinner canopy than pictured. Leaf drop alone does not mean the tree is dying. Unpack promptly, check the soil, and provide consistent light and watering. If its arrival condition concerns you, send clear photos within 24 hours.
Care and Winter Planning
Chinese Elm can retain foliage under warm, tropical growing conditions or become deciduous with gradual seasonal cooling.
These imported Elms have been maintained as tropical bonsai in Florida and are not cold-hardened. If you want to develop an outdoor seasonal routine, autumn is the time to plan. After your tree settles, begin gradually only while your weather remains mild. If frost is approaching, protect it this winter and plan a longer transition next season. Never move a newly arrived Florida-grown Elm straight into freezing conditions.
Provide strong light and water thoroughly when the soil surface begins to dry, allowing excess to drain. Check daily, but expect lower water use after leaf drop. Let the tree settle before repotting or heavy pruning. Feed and prune when it is actively growing. Contact us with your location if you’re unsure about winter care.
Please Note
- The numbered tree you select is the exact tree you will receive
- Each tree ships in its pictured ceramic pot
- Flat $22 shipping on every tree
- All measurements are approximate
- The tree’s appearance will change naturally with growth, pruning, care, and the seasons
- All trees are sold as-is
- All sales are final. No refunds, returns, or exchanges
- Once the tree leaves our nursery, its continued care is the buyer’s responsibility
We ship thousands of bonsai trees and supplies each year, and every order is packed with care by our team. Live trees are watered, secured, and packaged to help them arrive safely and ready for their new home.
Live bonsai trees generally ship early in the week, Monday and Tuesday, to reduce time in transit. Tools, pots, soil, fertilizer, and other non-living items usually ship throughout the week.
Bonsai Outlet is a licensed nursery, not just a warehouse. We follow the proper inspection and certification requirements for shipping live plants across state lines. When a state requires additional documentation, such as a nematode certificate or nursery inspection certificate, we work to ensure the proper requirements are met before shipping.
For complete shipping and return details, please visit: Shipping & Returns
