名媛直播

Hi All,

? I'm a new owner of a Chinese Elm 名媛直播 I recently got as a gift in the mail 2 weeks ago from a company called EasternLeaf..
? I live in Boston, MA so I've been keeping it indoors during the cold winter.
? My tree's recently been looking pretty dry and is losing leaves rapidly.
??I've watered it twice thus far, and today watered/dunked it from the bottom for 10 min. (this is a strategy I saw recommended online)
? I have it positioned on a fireplace mantle away from windows (may not be getting enough light)

Please see my attached picture. Any and all help/advice/tips are greatly appreciated. Like I said this is my first bonsai and other than watering when soil feels dry I'm unsure how to effectively take care of it to allow it to thrive.

Thank you!

Hello, welcome.
It is going to die if you don't take some drastic measures:

1-) It needs LIGHT, plenty of light
2-) It needs WATER, plenty of water (NOT once a week, it's not enough).
3-) A planet over a fireplace will die no matter what, of dryness.

So, take it to a place it can survive the winter, if it's not already later.

Thank you Clicio.

The fireplace does not work so I don't know if that makes a difference. I try to minimize changing temperatures as much as possible. Would you recommend I place it next to a window for more light? I'm afraid cold drafts might get to it.

How many times a week do you feel I should water it? I figured rule of thumb is if the soil feels damp a 1/2 inch down than you shouldn't water. I would hate to over-water it.

Again, thanks for all of your help and recommendations. Much appreciated.

Best,
Tim

Hi,
I have a few suggestions. 1) water more frequently. Maybe every 3-4 days depending on how dry the soil is getting. 2) place near a window for more light or place on a shelf or something under a grow light for the winter. 3) Chinese elm can be evergreen or deciduous if left outside and allowed to go dormant. Protect from hard freezes and check its cold tolerance and compare to your winter temps. 4) They are pretty hardy and tolerant to some mishandling.
Good luck!