Home   /   Indoor Bonsai   /   Bonsai Variety   /   Chinese Elm Bonsai

Chinese Elm Bonsai

The most popular indoor bonsai tree with a natural twiggy appearance

Bonsai Tree Meaning | Tree Symbolism: Inner Strength, Intuition, Wisdom & Love,

Firstly, the Chinese Elm Bonsai (Ulmus parvifolia) is the most popular indoor bonsai we grow. And not without good reason. A great bonsai for complete beginners. A truly beautiful variety with small bright green leaves. Evergreen when grown indoors but may be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous when grown outdoors.

Ideal as a conservatory plant which would require extra watering when hot.

A bonsai with excellent twig structure & superb character throughout. Therefore, making it the beautiful representation of a woodland tree. In our opinion, the Chinese Elm is the most perfectly proportioned, easy to care for and adaptable bonsai. It makes a superb bonsai!
Moreover, it can be grown either indoors or outdoors – but please protect from hard frosts if kept in the garden.

A bonsai tree with a wonderful meaning

Furthermore, known as ‘The tree of harmony’; the Elm symbolises inner strength, intuition, wisdom & love.  A beautiful bonsai which symbolises love, balance, calm and peaceful energy.
Frequently purchased for the sentiment of love & devotion. We think it would make an astounding birthday or anniversary gift.

Our top-selling Indoor bonsai tree for sale

The Chinese Elm is the perfect choice if you are unsure of which bonsai to purchase. It is, without doubt, the perfect bonsai gift for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or Christmas. A bonsai tree suitable for everyone. It is easy to prune & suitable for wiring to shape. A fun bonsai to learn on.

Interestingly, it is not fussy about where it is placed & displays boundless beauty. Ideally, this bonsai prefers a bright position away from direct heat sources such as south-facing windows, radiators and televisions.

Lastly, Bonsai Direct offers a first-class service, with FREE next working day delivery to most of the UK. We can also deliver on Saturdays and Sundays.
Free care guides are included. Additionally, please choose your delivery date at the checkout.

Read More...

Showing 1–25 of 74 results

Categories
Price
Height
23-37
24
25
26
27
28
28-30
29
30
32
33
34
35
36
38
39
40
41
42
43
45
46
48
50
51
53
55
56
58
60
61
65
70
72
76
Varies
Age
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
30
35
4
6
7
8
Variety
Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) (39)
  • Perfect Beginners Bonsai | Dwarf Chinese Elm Bonsai with Neat Habit - Premium Pot & TrayThis is the exact bonsai you will receiveOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 29cm
    Age. 8yrs

    Perfect Beginners Bonsai | Dwarf Chinese Elm Bonsai with Neat Habit – Premium Pot & Tray

     £75.00
  • Triple Chinese Elm bonsai tree forestSale itemOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 30cm
    Age. 7yrs

    Triple Bonsai Composition – A Chinese Elm Forest

     Original price was: £99.99.Current price is: £76.99.
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Copse | Triple Bonsai Forest | DECEMBER SPECIALOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 29cm
    Age. 8yrs

    Chinese Elm Bonsai Copse | Triple Bonsai Forest | DECEMBER SPECIAL

     Original price was: £69.99 – £77.98Price range: £69.99 through £77.98.Current price is: £59.99 – £67.98Price range: £59.99 through £67.98.
  • Stunning twisty Chinese Elm bonsai treeThis is the exact bonsai you will receiveOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 43cm
    Age. 15yrs

    Ulmus Parvifolia Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree – Artistry in Botanical Form

     £180.00
  • Charming Chinese Elm Bonsai with Serpentine Twist & Fresh Lime-Green FoliageThis is the exact bonsai you will receiveOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 29cm
    Age. 8yrs

    Charming Chinese Elm Bonsai with Serpentine Twist & Fresh Lime-Green Foliage

     £95.00
  • Serpentine shaped Chinese Elm bonsai tree for sale UKThis is the exact bonsai you will receiveOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 40cm
    Age. 15yrs

    Characteristic & Twisty Elm Bonsai – Unique Styling with Powerful Stature

     £109.99
  • Highly refined Ulmus parvifolia indoor bonsai specimen tree for saleThis is the exact bonsai you will receiveOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 51cm
    Age. 24yrs

    Phenomenal Impressive Chinese Elm Bonsai – An Extraordinary Indoor Specimen [Excellence Range]

     £665.00
  • Comprehensive Beginners Baby Bonsai SetOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 25cm
    Age. 6yrs

    Comprehensive Beginners Baby Bonsai Set

     £47.99
  • Mature, powerful Chinese Elm Bonsai tree for sale UKThis is the exact bonsai you will receiveOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 38cm
    Age. 19yrs

    Powerful Chinese Elm Bonsai with Exquisite Root Flare – Beginners Indoor Bonsai Sensation

     £265.00
  • Top Quality Large Chinese Elm Indoor Sabamiki Bonsai with Awesome Design - Excellence RangeSpecimen bonsai tree fr saleOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 46cm
    Age. 20yrs

    Top Quality Large Chinese Elm Indoor Sabamiki Bonsai with Awesome Design – Excellence Range

     £475.00
  • Incredible twisty Chinese Elm bonsai tree for saleThis is the exact bonsai you will receiveOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 36cm
    Age. 15yrs

    Aged, Textured & Characteristic Chinese Elm Bonsai | Amazing Beginners Bonsai

     £225.00
  • Mature Bonsai Tree for Sale | Bonsai Chinese Elm SpecimenSpecimen bonsai tree fr saleOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 45cm
    Age. 22yrs

    Mature Bonsai Tree for Sale | Bonsai Chinese Elm Specimen

     £450.00
  • Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree for Sale | Broom StyleOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 25cm
    Age. 6yrs

    Exemplary Beginners Chinese Elm Starter Bonsai

     £34.99
  • Cool Character Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree - Beautiful Shaping & Styling with Excellent Raised RootsSpecimen bonsai tree fr saleOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 39cm
    Age. 18yrs

    Cool Character Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree – Beautiful Shaping & Styling with Excellent Raised Roots

     £350.00
  • Spectacular Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree | Neat, Commanding Presence & Impressive Stature - 20 yearsThis is the exact bonsai you will receiveOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 50cm
    Age. 20yrs

    Spectacular Chinese Elm Bonsai Tree | Neat, Commanding Presence & Impressive Stature – 20 years

     £450.00
  • Spectacular Chinese Elm Bonsai Specimen - A Truly Sensational Beginners Indoor Tree | 20 years oldSpecimen bonsai tree fr saleOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 38cm
    Age. 20yrs

    Spectacular Chinese Elm Bonsai Specimen – A Truly Sensational Beginners Indoor Tree | 20 years old

     £500.00
  • Spectacular Chinese Elm Bonsai Specimen - A Truly Sensational Beginners TreeThis is the exact bonsai you will receiveOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 41cm
    Age. 18yrs

    Spectacular Chinese Elm Bonsai Specimen – A Truly Sensational Beginners Tree

     £399.99
  • Outstanding Specimen | Extra-Large Beginners Bonsai - Excellent Representation of Woodland TreeSpecimen bonsai tree fr saleOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 60cm
    Age. 35yrs

    Outstanding Specimen | Extra-Large Beginners Bonsai – Excellent Representation of Woodland Tree

     £899.00
  • Graceful Indoor Chinese Elm Bonsai with Beautiful Twisty TrunkThis is the exact bonsai you will receiveOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 34cm
    Age. 13yrs

    Graceful Indoor Chinese Elm Bonsai with Beautiful Twisty Trunk

     £125.00
  • Elegant Chinese Elm Indoor Bonsai - Balanced Canopy and Dramatic Twisty TrunkSpecimen bonsai tree fr saleOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 55cm
    Age. 23yrs

    Elegant Chinese Elm Indoor Bonsai – Balanced Canopy and Dramatic Twisty Trunk

     £549.99
  • This variety symbolises inner strength intuition, wisdom & love.Specimen bonsai tree fr saleOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 56cm
    Age. 28yrs

    Phenomenal 28 year Extra-Large Statement Indoor Specimen Chinese Elm Bonsai – Outstanding!

     £750.00
  • Phenomenal Chinese Elm Indoor Bonsai Tree | Elegant & PrestigeSpecimen bonsai tree fr saleOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 50cm
    Age. 20yrs

    Phenomenal Chinese Elm Indoor Bonsai Tree | Elegant & Prestige

     £695.00
  • Captivating Extra-Large & Impressive Chinese Elm Indoor Bonsai Tree for Sale UKSpecimen bonsai tree fr saleOverall Height Height inc. Pot. 61cm
    Age. 25yrs

    Captivating Extra-Large & Impressive Chinese Elm Indoor Bonsai – Powerful Easy Care Bonsai

     £850.00

Showing 1–25 of 74 results

Jim Skopi

Gift for my wife she is absolutely delighted with it. It arrived beautifully packaged and now has pride of place

Larger Twisty Chinese Elm (Zelkova) Bonsai tree - Perfect Beginners Species | BLACK FRIDAY BARGAIN Larger Twisty Chinese Elm (Zelkova) Bonsai tree - Perfect Beginners Species | BLACK FRIDAY BARGAIN
Robert Griffiths

As ever, perfect trees, perfectly packed. An absolute joy.

Uniquely Styled Chinese Elm Indoor Bonsai with Lush Foliage in Cream Pot | BLACK FRIDAY BONSAI BARGAIN Uniquely Styled Chinese Elm Indoor Bonsai with Lush Foliage in Cream Pot | BLACK FRIDAY BONSAI BARGAIN
Scott Bowden

Lovely Chinese Elm in great condition with super fast delivery.

Indoor Bonsai Chinese Elm Set 1 (IDCE10) - Larger Size Mature Indoor Bonsai Chinese Elm Set (16 years) - Larger Size
Anna Budrewicz Derbyshire

Came in very well wrapped and in immaculate condition. Beautiful tree! Fantastic for beginners with care leaflet.

Larger Twisty Chinese Elm (Zelkova) Bonsai tree - Perfect Beginners Species | BLACK FRIDAY BARGAIN Larger Twisty Chinese Elm (Zelkova) Bonsai tree - Perfect Beginners Species | BLACK FRIDAY BARGAIN
Nicholas Bodman

Brilliant service highly recommend Bonsai Direct 👍

Twisty Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Elm Beginners Indoor Bonsai | Flaky Bark | BLACK FRIDAY BARGAIN Twisty Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Elm Beginners Indoor Bonsai | Flaky Bark | BLACK FRIDAY BARGAIN
David Wallace

Fantastic bonsai and support service. Highly recommended

Excellent Chinese Elm bonsai tree An Exceptional 12-Year-Old Chinese Elm Bonsai | Strong Design with Accentuated Twists
Jamie Ramage

After a few months of obsessing over them, I purchased my first Bonsai from Bonsai Direct and it just arrived this evening. Could not be happier, I ordered Saturday delivery and was worried I wouldn’t get it on time with the recent storm hitting the UK but it came fine and in exceptional packaging to keep it safe. The tree and service exceeded all expectations.Would not go anywhere else now as Bonsai Direct has set the bar very high.Thank You, I look forward to my next purchase which I know is going to be very soon!

Special Offer Beginners Indoor Bonsai ~ Chinese Elm 12 years old Special Offer Beginners Indoor Bonsai ~ Chinese Elm 12 years old
Diana stoica

I recently bought this bonsai and is much beautiful that I expected. The delivery what was smooth and they did exactly as I told them. I am very pleased with purchase and I highly recommend it !! I bought is as a gift 🎁

Tall & twisty Chinese Elm Bonsai tree for sale UK Chinese Elm Indoor Bonsai Tree with Captivating Root Exposure
Rusty E

Just had it delivered and it looks like a very healthy tree. It arrived very well packaged, with clear instructions

Special Offer Indoor Bonsai ~ Chinese Elm (IDCE7) Special Offer 8 year old Twisty S-Shaped Indoor Bonsai ~ Chinese Elm - Beginner's Favourite
About the Chinese Elm

Chinese Elm Bonsai (Ulmus parvifolia / Zelkova bonsai tree) or Lacebark Elms as they are commonly known, originate from eastern Asia. This beautiful tree is extremely well regarded as being one of the best indoor bonsai varieties.
It is a fast growing bonsai so produces lovely dense and compact foliage pads, so typical of the informal upright bonsai style. It is a very tolerant bonsai species and fairly adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions.
If you are looking for an indoor bonsai which is very natural in appearance, with a lovely twiggy structure and true tree-like form this would be our recommendation.
A fabulous beginners bonsai with outstanding proportions and very pretty naturally small serrated leaves.
All our bonsai are supplied with full care instructions.
This variety is evergreen when grown indoors (although you may get a little seasonal leaf drop).
In mild climates, it can also be grown outdoors, but it will then revert to being deciduous.
Known as ‘The tree of harmony’, the Elm symbolises inner strength, intuition and wisdom.
A beautiful bonsai which signifies love, balance, calm and a peaceful energy.

Medium Sized Beginners Chinese Elm Pruning Kit Special Offer Now

View Product →

Stay Connected!
Fast FREE delivery available

Read our latest blog posts!

Last-Minute Bonsai Gift Ideas (That Still Feel Personal)

We’ve all been there — the week before Christmas, a birthday, or a special occasion, still searching for a gift that feels thoughtful rather than rushed. If you’re looking for […]

Read More
Indoor Bonsai Décor Ideas for Christmas Homes (Eco Living)

As the festive season draws near, many of us start thinking about how to decorate our homes for Christmas in a way that feels cosy, joyful, and mindful of the […]

Read More
🎄 Discover the Magic of Bonsai This Christmas – Our Advent Calendar of Premium Indoor Bonsai Specials 🎄

The countdown to Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year, and at Bonsai Direct we wanted to make it even more exciting. That’s why we’ve created […]

Read More

Chinese Elm Bonsai - Expert Overview by Lloyd Noall

Value for Money
Rated 5 out of 5
Easy to Grow
Rated 5 out of 5
Styling
Rated 4 out of 5
Sturdiness
Rated 4 out of 5
Seasonal Variation
Rated 3 out of 5

Our bonsai expert Lloyd Noall has been growing bonsai for approximately 4 decades. He is a leading authority on growing both indoor & outdoor varieties. We ask his opinion on our top sell­ing Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) bonsai tree species. It can sometimes be referred to as a Lacebark Elm or Zelcova seratta.

“In my opinion the Chinese Elm is the very best representation of a woodland tree”. This easy-care variety has naturally small bright green leaves and beautiful character throughout. It is an ideal starter bonsai for beginners and is perfect for learning pruning and wiring techniques.

“This species is native to China, India, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and south-east Asia. It is relatively fast growing and responds well to pruning, forming well ramified foliage pads. Pruning the tips of the Chinese Elm shoots encourages Back budding”, where new leaves emerge further down the branches forming dense, compact branches with a neat habit.

The Chinese Elm is a fairly hardy species. Usually grown indoors but grows well outside all year round. “I would advise that you protect your Chinese Elm bonsai from extended periods of freezing, by putting in an unheated shed, glasshouse or cool room”.

In Chinese culture, the Chinese Elm is a symbol of longevity and resilience, often planted to honour ancestors. “Its graceful shape and beautiful leaves make it a favoured choice for growing as a bonsai”, representing inner strength, intuition, wisdom, and love.

“Interestingly, the Chinese Elm bonsai is evergreen when grown indoors. It may have a little leaf drop when it re-acclimatises to its new location or when the seasons change at the end of summer and end of winter. When grown outdoors it will be semi-evergreen or deciduous depending upon the severity of the winter”. It is one of the cold-hardiest of the Chinese bonsai species.

Lloyd with his spring collection of bonsai trees

Lloyd has decades of experience in the art of bonsai and is the founder of Bonsai Direct. He started selling bonsai trees commercially in 1995, nearly 30 years ago.

View Expert Bio

Choose my Bonsai

find your bonsai

All the bonsai care you’ll need

About our indoor bonsai

Latest news from Bonsai Direct

Sign up for bonsai care and advice, news and offers. Please add your email address in the space provided.

Delivery information

© 2025 Bonsai Direct. All Rights Reserved. Consent Preferences | Sitemap

Website by Dancing Badger Ltd