Imported Chinese Elm Bonsai with Funky Nebari and Strong Branching
This imported Chinese Elm was chosen because it has a lot of the things we look for in a good elm: interesting movement, well-placed branches, and a base that immediately gives the tree personality.
The trunk has a tall, graceful S-curve with nice taper as it moves upward into the canopy. It is not a plain, straight trunk. It has movement, character, and enough visual age to make the tree feel established already.
One of the best parts of this tree is the nebari. The exposed surface roots have a funky, natural look, with roots gripping into the soil on both sides of the trunk. It gives the base a lot more interest and makes the tree feel grounded in the pot.
The branch placement is also a big reason we selected this tree. The pads are already positioned throughout the tree, with lower, middle, and upper branching that gives the bonsai a balanced structure. It was just pruned for its photo shoot, so the canopy is cleaned up and ready to continue filling back in with new growth.
This tree is planted in a 12" unglazed Yixing ceramic pot. The simple rectangular pot works well with the lighter trunk color and keeps the focus on the movement, branching, and exposed root base.
Why We Like This Tree
- The nebari: Funky exposed surface roots give the base a lot of character.
- The branching: This tree was chosen for its branch placement and overall structure.
- The trunk movement: The trunk has a tall, graceful curve with good flow from base to apex.
- Freshly pruned: It was just pruned for its photo shoot, so the structure is easier to see.
- The pot: The unglazed Yixing ceramic pot is simple, earthy, and a good match for the tree.
Tree Details
- Species: Chinese Elm
- Origin: Imported
- Style: Informal upright bonsai with exposed surface root character
- Height: 24" from table to apex
- Spread: 18"
- Pot: 12" unglazed Yixing ceramic pot
- Recent Work: Just pruned for photography
- Ships From: Our Florida nursery
Care Notes
Chinese Elm is one of the most popular bonsai species because it is strong, forgiving, and responds well to pruning. This tree should be grown in bright light and watered when the soil begins to dry slightly. Do not let it completely dry out.
In warmer climates, Chinese Elm can be grown outdoors most or all of the year. In colder climates, it should be protected from freezing temperatures and overwintered appropriately. With regular pruning, the branch pads will continue to fill in and refine over time.
Shipping Information
This imported Chinese Elm ships from our Florida nursery. We carefully pack each tree 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.
