So my Chinese elm bonsai started dropping leaves just as we're getting into spring, which threw me for a loop. Last year, it was thriving around this time. It's a typical Ulmus parvifolia — nothing fancy, about ten years old, and in a pot that's been its home for a good three years without issues. At first, I thought maybe it was just shedding some old leaves to make way for new growth, but it looked more like a tree in distress.

After some digging, I realized I'd rushed into fertilizing as soon as the temperatures warmed up. I went a bit heavy on the nitrogen-rich feed, thinking it would spur on fresh growth, but it seems it might have been too much too soon. With Chinese elms, especially in bonsai form, they can be a bit sensitive to nutrient spikes. I’ve noticed some leaf burn, which is a clear sign I overdid it. I should've stuck with a more balanced approach, maybe even held off on fertilizing until I saw some signs of new budding.

I'm also wondering if my watering schedule was off. I kept it the same as winter, thinking consistency was key, but with the temperature changes, I think my elm was getting too dry between waterings. These guys like to be moist, but not soggy — it's a fine line. So now I’m adjusting, watering more frequently but checking the soil moisture religiously. As of now, I’m seeing buds here and there, so hopefully it's on the mend. It's a bit of a wait-and-see game, but fingers crossed. Anyone else had similar experiences?