Chinese Elm brown leaves

[BB Brian]

Purchased this a couple months back and since have pruned one side and air layered the other. As per pics. Now the air layered section leaves are turning brown would there be any reason why?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Next school of bonsai class is a few days away and I'm a little concerned at this stage.


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[Daluke]

Is it autumn where you are?

These trees grow like weeds.

I'm sure it's just dropping leaves due to change in seasons.

[BB Brian]

Is it autumn where you are?

These trees grow like weeds.

I'm sure it's just dropping leaves due to change in seasons.

right you are, it is autumn here in Sydney, but this is my first air layer and it is still first year of bonsai and just noticed none of my other elms have dropped its leaves, cheers Daluke

[Matt S]

My Chinese Elms will start dropping their leaves at different times depending on what part of the backyard they are in, and sometimes won't drop any at all. One year an elm decided to show off bright red leaves in Autumn (hasn't before or since), and those nearest to the house or side fences tend to cling on to their leaves longer.

There's a huge number of variables involved, I wouldn't be worried.

Matt.

[Daluke]

It looks like the MATURE leaves that are shedding too-all normal.

Out with the old and in with the new.

How long has the layer been on. I don't think now is the best time to have them on.

[Boics]

Certainly looks like Autumn to me!

[BB Brian]

It looks like the MATURE leaves that are shedding too-all normal.

Out with the old and in with the new.

How long has the layer been on. I don't think now is the best time to have them on.

I've learnt it's not the best time to start an air layer but have been told it was a better species to try it at this time of the year.
Would it not be beneficial to have the 2nd tree ready with roots before Spring starts to get that growth?
Thanks for the advice guys.


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[Max]

I think because it's going dormant the roots aren't going to form till bud swell in spring, you'll get swelling but nothing else as the tree has no energy, you may also have to score the cambium again spring to help stimulate roots

[kcpoole]

It also depends a lot on your specific location.
For me, Very few of my elms go deciduous, where only 20 minutes away at Ray Nescis, his go fully dormant!
He is a few hundred feet higher and much colder.

if you are in a warmer lower spot, Keep it near a north facing wall to keep the heat into it and you might ( like me) be able to get root growth thru winter.

Ken

[BB Brian]

It also depends a lot on your specific location.
For me, Very few of my elms go deciduous, where only 20 minutes away at Ray Nescis, his go fully dormant!
He is a few hundred feet higher and much colder.

if you are in a warmer lower spot, Keep it near a north facing wall to keep the heat into it and you might ( like me) be able to get root growth thru winter.

Ken

I'm just in Quakers not too far from Rays either. I've got my tables from west to east facing the north. The shade from our pergola is just about to reach the edge of the table but they are still getting full day sun from about 930 at this current time of year, hope it doesn't get too much lower for the winter.


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[kcpoole]

Not much lower now as it only a month off winter solstice.
Qh is near me so you will be similar for your elms.
Some might defoliate but most will only partially do so
You can defoliate yourself late winter if you want to get rid of all old leaves

Ken


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[Sno]

It could just be variation in the species I have one that doesn't drop its leaves at all . I end up pulling the old leaves off just before I repot it in spring . They would probably fall off with the new buds but I like to clean it up . With the airlayer I know someone up here that sets airlayers on his maples in Autumn and has good results . Snowed here on Sunday more forecast today yay .

[BB Brian]

Thanks for the tips guys!


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