The Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia), is native to East Asia. It has small, leathery, dark green leaves, smooth and shiny on top, have small, spiky edges. In nature, it can grow to 60 feet tall. The bark is mottled with dark gray, reddish brown and cream. The Chinese Elm may be kept indoors or outdoors, but it is deciduous if kept outdoors. The fruit matures in autumn much later than those of most other elms. It is relatively resistant to Dutch elm disease

Chinese Elm are quite good plants to choose for beginners at bonsai because it has a predictable growth pattern and is forgiving when pruned. Most varieties of Chinese Elm are very frost hardy.

Prune after the growth period in early spring, leaving the one or two nodes closest to the main trunk or branch. Water moderately year round, but keep the plant moist at all times, keeping in mind to water well during spring and early summer. Repot in early spring, every 1 to 3 years, but this must be either a month before or after pruning to ensure that the plant sustains the least shock possible.

Some varieties  of Chinese Elm have smooth bark and the others with rough, cork-like bark which cracks and becomes deeply fissured with age. Generally, the smoother bark varieties will be less hardy than those with rough bark and care should be taken. They are quite versatile plants which can be kept in a position of shade to full sun. In areas where the summers get very hot, such as my home in Memphis, Tennessee, it is important to  provide some shade so that the tree does not overheat and dry out.