Chinese elm question
 

I have had a Chinese elm about 12 inches high for the past two years.
Last year I left it outside until the leaves turned color and fell. I
then put it in a cool but not freezing area for about six weeks and
then brought it indoors, where it soon began to leaf out again. It
spends the summer outdoors. This year I was caught by surprise with a
sudden cold snap in November. The tree's leaves never had a chance to
turn, but the sudden dip to below freezing temps just killed all the
leaves (this happened for most of my outdoor plants, not just the
bonsai). I brought it indoors right away.

I bought this tree from a bonsai master who told me it could be treated
as either an indoor bonsai or an outdoor bonsai if protected from very
low temps. I'm beginning to worry however that I still see no signs of
buds after more than two month and a half months indoors. Some of the
outer twigs have died but when I cut one a little closer to the trunk,
they are all still green under the bark so I know it's still alive. But
could the sudden frost have been too much of a shock, or do you think
in due time the tree will start to leaf out again? Should I consider
re-potting soon in the hopes that will save it?

-Yngver

Chinese elm question
 

yngver wrote:
I have had a Chinese elm about 12 inches high for the past two years.
Last year I left it outside until the leaves turned color and fell. I
then put it in a cool but not freezing area for about six weeks and
then brought it indoors, where it soon began to leaf out again. It
spends the summer outdoors. This year I was caught by surprise with a
sudden cold snap in November. The tree's leaves never had a chance to
turn, but the sudden dip to below freezing temps just killed all the
leaves (this happened for most of my outdoor plants, not just the
bonsai). I brought it indoors right away.

I bought this tree from a bonsai master who told me it could be treated
as either an indoor bonsai or an outdoor bonsai if protected from very
low temps. I'm beginning to worry however that I still see no signs of
buds after more than two month and a half months indoors. Some of the
outer twigs have died but when I cut one a little closer to the trunk,
they are all still green under the bark so I know it's still alive. But
could the sudden frost have been too much of a shock, or do you think
in due time the tree will start to leaf out again? Should I consider
re-potting soon in the hopes that will save it?

-Yngver

I wouldn't repot, you'll just stress the plant more.

Chinese elm question
 

It most likely went into dormancy from its time outside. It would
probably be best to keep it dormant now until spring as bringing it out
of dormancy would likely stress it very badly. Find a cool but frost
free place, an unheated garage, a cold cellar would be perfect. You
dont need light for it while it is leafless and dormant either. Water
it a bit from time to time just to keep the root ball from drying out
completely. Put it outside again when the threat of frost has passed.