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| Happy New Year to all.
I have two Chinese Elm Seedlings which I've grown from seeds. One is 6.5 inches and just started getting secondary leaves (off to the side like they will develop into branches) and the other is 5.5 inches with just the main leaves. They are about 7 months old, sit on an east facing window sill with the window slightly cracked to keep it on the cooler side for them. My question stems from (pun intended) the taller seedling is still rather thin and has a drastic lean towards the light. I rotate all the plants regularly but this little guy always ends up leaning a great deal more than the 5" one. First, I want to know if its normal for the seedling to be so thin at this height and with secondary leaves starting. Second, should I "wire" the seedling straight up to help it grow upright? Also, I am in an apartment in Northern VA so putting them outside currently isn't an option. Sorry this is long, I just wanted to give all the information I think you would need to help me with an answer. I posted a picture of the leaner below. Ty, B |
Here is a link that might be useful: Picture of the leaning seedling
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Hi Bob, perfectly normal, 6.5 inches isn't a great deal of height in this elms early days and you can wire it straight if you wish, although I would use a loose wiring technique sometimes known as cage wiring to allow for the expected growth over the coming months. b It's worth mentioning that it will take a number of years and a lot of pruning to get these up to a reasonable girth to be considered as an effective bonsai, this time frame will increase considerably if they remain in pots. If you can place them in the ground in you can. Happy bonsai ! And a Happy new year Rick |
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| Wiring it won't help it grow any better, more light will, and you could rig a fluorescent fixture 6" above it (them) to run 14 hours a day, using 35-40w Full spectrum bulbs, from Oct. thru March. That will straighten them up alright, but to me half the fun of bonsai is seeing the different, interesting routes the trees take on their own, and not wanting them to all look like soldiers. However, in your case, that one does want more light, but because it's genetically maybe geared to being a bit taller than the others, but needs maybe a bit more light, you're seeing a more exaggerated lean on it compared to the others (or maybe they'll do the same thing in time if not given more light). |
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