Imported Chinese Elm Bonsai with Sculptural Trunk and Root Character
This imported Chinese Elm has a strong, sculptural look with a lot of movement through the trunk and plenty of branching to continue refining.
The trunk is the main feature on this tree. It rises from the pot with a thick base, then twists upward with a natural curve and some really interesting character along the lower trunk. There is also visible root movement at the base, giving the tree a grounded, older feel before your eye moves up into the branches.
The branching is already in place throughout the tree, with pads forming at different levels. It has an open look right now, which makes it easy to see the structure and future direction of the bonsai. As the foliage fills back in, this elm should continue to develop into a more refined tree with regular pruning.
The pale bark, small green leaves, and layered branch structure all work well together. This is a good tree for someone who wants an imported Chinese Elm with character, not just a basic trunk-and-canopy shape.
It is planted in an 11.5" glazed Yixing ceramic pot. The soft cream glaze keeps the presentation clean and simple, while letting the trunk movement and branching remain the focus.
Why We Like This Tree
- The trunk character: The trunk has a sculptural twist and natural movement from base to canopy.
- The root detail: Visible roots and lower trunk movement add interest at the base.
- The branch structure: Branches are already placed throughout the tree and can continue to be refined.
- The size: At 21" tall with a 17" spread, it has a strong presence without being oversized.
- The pot: The glazed Yixing ceramic pot gives the tree a clean, finished look.
Tree Details
- Species: Chinese Elm
- Origin: Imported
- Style: Informal upright bonsai with sculptural trunk movement
- Height: 21" from table to apex
- Spread: 17"
- Pot: 11.5" glazed Yixing ceramic pot
- Ships From: Our Florida nursery
Care Notes
Chinese Elm is a strong and forgiving bonsai species. 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 the branches fill in, tighten up, and develop better ramification over time.
Shipping Information
This imported Chinese Elm ships from our Florida nursery. We carefully pack each bonsai to help protect the pot, trunk, branches, foliage, and root structure 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.