Ulmus pumila aka Siberian Elm

Taxonomy

Genus Ulmus Family Ulmaceae Order Rosales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Ulmus pumila, also known as the Siberian elm, Asiatic elm, or dwarf elm, is a deciduous tree that is native to Central Asia, eastern Siberia, the Russian Far East, Mongolia, Tibet, northern China, India (northern Kashmir) and Korea. It is a relatively fast-growing tree that can reach heights of up to 15m, with a d.b.h. of up to 1m. The bark is dark gray and irregularly longitudinally fissured, while the branchlets are yellowish-gray and either glabrous or pubescent. The leaves are elliptic-ovate to elliptic-lanceolate and can measure between 2-8 × 1.2-3.5 cm, with the color changing from dark green to yellow in autumn. In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the perfect, apetalous wind-pollinated flowers bloom for one week in tight fascicles on last year's branchlets. However, flowers emerging in early February are often damaged by frost, leading to this species being dropped from the Dutch elm breeding program. The wind-dispersed samarae are whitish-tan and orbicular to rarely broadly obovate or elliptical, measuring between 1-2 × 1-1.5 cm, and glabrous except for pubescence on the stigmatic surface. The tree is able to self-pollinate successfully and can sucker readily from its roots. While the Siberian elm has been widely cultivated throughout Asia, North America, Argentina, and southern Europe, becoming naturalized in many places, notably across much of the United States, it is relatively rare as a houseplant. When grown indoors, it requires long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture and doesn't typically require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. In its native environment, the tree may live to be between 100 and 150 years old, with a giant specimen located in the south Gobi, measuring 5.55 m in girth in 2009 and estimated to exceed 250 years.

Common names

Siberian Elm, Dwarf Elm, Littleleaf Elm

How to care for Siberian Elm

Difficulty

Are you up for a challenge? Siberian Elm will test your gardening skills and require extra care and attention to thrive.

Water

Siberian Elm should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Siberian Elm is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Siberian Elm requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Siberian Elm will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Siberian Elm is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Siberian Elm’s native range is E. Asia - China, E. Siberia, Turkestan.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Ulmus Genus

Ulmus americana American Elm

Ulmus rubra Slippery Elm

Ulmus macrocarpa

Ulmus lamellosa

Ulmus davidiana Japanese Elm

Ulmus pumila Siberian Elm

Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Elm

Ulmus villosa Cherry Bark Elm

Ulmus serotina September Elm

Ulmus glabra Wych Elm