Zelkova Bonsai Tree Info

You can create several wonderful styles with a Zelkova Bonsai Tree. The Japanese Zelkova and the Elm Zelkova are perhaps the most popular varieties of this species Pre Bonsai.

Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree On Rock Slab (ulmus parvifolia)


Has small evergreen serrated leaves with excellent branching characteristics. Trained in the traditional tiered layered style with a curved trunk. Planted in a 14″x8″x1″ tall fiber reinforced concrete slab.
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Price: 125.00

Stylized Imported Japanese Zelkova Bonsai Tree – 6″ Pot

  • Growing in a 6″ pot and well rooted.
  • They are about 9″ tall with a stylized trunk
  • The trunk diameter is about 1/4″ to 1/2″
  • Proper name: Zelkova serrata
  • A great indoor bonsai

The Japanese zelkova, or Zelkova serrata, is a semi-evergreen tree of the elm family (Ulmaceae). Carrying the characteristics of the elm, this tree can reach natural heights up to 60 feet tall, sometimes larger, and develops a natural vase shape.

List Price: $ 29.99

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Originating from West Asia, these trees normally thrive in a cool climate. The leaves of this species are similar to those of the English or American Elm, only much smaller.

And though there are some who would disagree, many enthusiasts consider this species as the best deciduous Bonsai tree.

One major advantage of this particular plant is that it does not come with the same disease problems as the elm, although it is a related species.

Zelkova Bonsai Tree Cultivation And Color Changes

During the winter months, you are likely to notice your Zelkova Bonsai Tree featuring green leaves and emitting a slightly sweet fragrance. During autumn, however, the leaves of this tree normally have a golden yellow or bronze hue and it does not emit any fragrance at all. This species typically has a smooth and straight bark that has a color which goes from green in its youth to gray as it matures. This changing bark color is actually one of the characteristics that distinguish the Zelkova from other species.

Japanese Zelkova Bonsai Tree at the National Arboretum, Washington, DC
Zelkova Bonsai Tree

Image by Photo Phiend
114 years old!

Caring For Your Zelkova

Remember that they thrive in deep, well-drained, and fertile soil. The key to cultivating this species for Bonsai is in re-potting it during early spring. Young plants need to be re-potted annually, while more mature specimens will need re-potting every two or three years. You will also need to re-pot a specimen when the original container has become too small.

And if you are planning to wire your tree, you will have to take special care because it has fragile and thin branches. It is advisable to do the wiring during summertime.

While the Zelkova Bonsai tree may be styled just about any way you like, it works best with the broom style, as this brings out the natural beauty of its thick branches.