My Bonsai Tree - Help!

[erdnase]

I have a little Chinese Elm bonsai tree, which has been sitting on my window-sill happily for the last 3 years. It can be both an indoor or outdoor tree here in the UK, and my window ledge is pretty much half and half. It gets lots of light, and it's nice and fresh where it's positioned.

Since I got it 3 years ago (it's around 15yrs old, I think), it's shed its leaves in the autumn and come spring, they've grown back. All has been well, until now. As of yet there's no sign of any leaves coming back, and if I find out it's dead and I've been watering a stick all winter, I won't be happy!

Can anyone help? Is it too early still, or could there be something else wrong? The branches are still supple and not dry/brittle like I'd expect if it were dead.

[erdnase]

Thanks Simpo.

I'm pretty careful about overwatering, having killed numerous houseplants with it over the years! I try to be more careful these days, and only water my bonsai when the soil dries out completely. That said, I just did the scratch-test you recommended, and the results aren't good. Brown underneath and no green

I'll look into repotting it as a last ditch attempt at saving it. Thanks again for your advice.

[erdnase]

The windowsill I keep my little tree on is practically outside. The window is almost always open, and it's really only when it's very cold or frosty that I'll close the window over. As far as environments go, I would have thought it was almost ideal. It gets lots of fresh air and sunlight (not direct sunlight though.. it's an east facing window).

From what I understand, the Chinese Elm can be kept as either an indoor or outdoor tree. The first couple of years, it really thrived where it is, losing its leaves in the autumn and growing strongly in the spring/summer.

I'm still hoping it's just a late spring this year, but if nothing happens in the next few weeks I'll take it to plant A&E (my mum!), who'll help me re-pot it. Fingers crossed.. I hate losing any plant, but when it's 15yrs old, it seems particularly rotten. Thanks again for everyones help.