AusBonsai

I got this Elm about a month ago and the leaves have started to die off and I have absolutely no idea why. I habe a smaller elm that is getting the same treatment as this one but it seems to be doing fine (Even after my pup decided to do some heavy prunning and pull it from its pot) So I'm at a loss here, any help would be appreciated.

Hello,

Id suspect something going wrong in the soil. Best option would be to have someone look at it for you, perhaps at your nearest nursery.
From the picture your tree looks like it might be water logged. Have a look at the soil and compare it to your other tree, see if one is more wet and mulchy.

Regards,
Abid

If it's losing leaves it could be too much or not enough water.

its probably heat stress. Look at the deciduous street trees around the suburbs, they often shed some leaves due to the heat.
Chinese elms are as tough as nails. It will bounce back in a few weeks.

Hi Ma7t, I had a similar thing happen recently. I acquired another Chinese elm for my collection and it yellowed and dropped some leaves. I kept the water up to it and now it's sending fresh buds out everywhere. I put it down to the tree getting used to it's new position/slash heat stress and I second what Brian said.......these things are as tough as nails.

I dont think it has anything to do with heat. If the water is kept up to the tree and the tree is fertilised regularly, why would it be suffering from heat stress?

Hi Siddar,
I have noticed many plants don't seem to take up water during the really hot days and then the pot dries out the day after when the temperature is a little more friendly. I reckon heat stress can affect healthy well watered plants just like we can cop it even if we drink.

I agree with stu, I have a zelkova which I keep in full shade on the 30 plus days, well watered and is still effected by the ambient temp. A few yellow leaves, a couple die off, temp drops abit and bang new buds all over the shop.

Hi Siddar,
I have noticed many plants don't seem to take up water during the really hot days and then the pot dries out the day after when the temperature is a little more friendly. I reckon heat stress can affect healthy well watered plants just like we can cop it even if we drink.

Hi Stu,

I have been growing bonsai for 12 years mate, and know plenty about all types of different species of trees and their requirements. I have several chinese elms positioned in full sun and none of these trees have lost any leaves due to heat stress. These trees remain healthy and unaffected. People have varying opinions and ideas. I just done agree with yours.

Heat stress is caused by plants not being able to draw water from the soil quicker than it is being used by the plant which results in drooping leaves in some plants and shriveled up or dead leaves in others.
I agree with Sid, Chinese elms are tougher than an old leather boot. The most likely cause to an elms' leaves yellowing and dropping is soil related. Check the soil.
1. If you find old compact soil, change it.
2. If root bound, repot
3. If grubs in the soil, squish 'em!

Kind regards.

my big old Chinese Elm sits in a shallow dish of water during hot weather and its leaves look like the above picture. Its the heat my friend.

my big old Chinese Elm sits in a shallow dish of water during hot weather and its leaves look like the above picture. Its the heat my friend.

No worries Brian. If I could be bothered I'd take photos of all of my chinese elms to prove my point. I'll just agree to disagree guys and go out and water my perfectly healthy/green elms

Thats all from me on this topic

Thanks everyone. Don't think it's the heat, seeing as the other elm isn't having the same problem. I'll check the soil and if it's not that, then I'll try watering it some more.

Was it in a windy position? Mine do alright up here

Maples not so much haha, but the elms seem good.

Just on a second thought. Would repotting it be such a good idea? If it's not the healthiest and its not the right time of year is it really a good option?
Nah klaery it's not getting to much wind, and my maple that's in the same spot seems to be doing fine.