Zelkova

Family. Ulmaceae.

Origin. China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Taiwan.

Description. The genus Zelkova consists of large deciduous trees with a spreading crown, 5 species in total. The leaves are hard, dark green, oblong-elliptic, 3 - 10 cm long, arranged alternately, the leaf blades have small denticles along the edge. In autumn the foliage turns dark red and falls off. The flowers are small, greenish, inconspicuous, male and female, appearing in the spring, at the same time as the leaves. The females appear at the top of the plant, while the males are on the lower branches.

Propagation - zelkova from seeds 

Seeds are sown in the spring months, but it will take several years to obtain a mature plant. Cuttings can be rooted during spring and summer. Zelkova is also propagated by root suckers and grafting.

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, a temperature of about 20 ° C is good, but in the winter months the plant is dormant and the temperature must be lowered to 13 - 15 ° C. 

Lighting

Maximum possible lighting in the room. Light shading is only permissible on very hot summer days.

How to care for zelkova

The branches of the plant are pruned in the spring to maintain a neat and compact shape; when pruning, weak shoots are removed. The tops of young shoots are regularly pinched for greater branching.

Soil

Easily grown in loose, well-drained and nutritious soils. Zelkova adapts well to a wide range of soil conditions. 

Feeding

From spring to autumn 2 times a month with water-soluble fertilizers. 

Purpose

Grown in bonsai style.

Air humidity

At high temperatures, the plant will need spraying in the warm season. 

Water zelkova

Mature trees can tolerate drought, but young trees should be watered regularly during the growing season. Dry the top layer of soil between waterings and do not allow water to stand in the pan. In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced and the plant is kept in almost dry soil.

Transfer

Adult plants are replanted every 2-3 years, in the spring, with the beginning of growth. For large tub specimens, the top layer of soil, about 5-7 cm thick, is replaced with fresh soil annually. When transplanting, the roots are cut to 1/3 of their length. 

Pests and diseases

Spider mites and aphids appear during hot, dry summers. When kept in the fresh air, the plant can be claimed by elm leaf beetles, moths, silkworms, and bark beetles.