Indoor Chinese elm under lights.

[samuelethan]

Hi all, I have only just registered after finding some useful information on here recently. This is my first post and likely to be a little controversial as this subject always is...
I am from the uk.
I have a few Chinese elms ranging from 10 quid starters to a 50 year old and all are outside bar one. I have a cheap one bought for £12 purposefully with the aim to grow it entirely indoors as part of research and to put to bed the old ‘get it outside’ crew. I have had very little insightful knowledge from anywhere else (mainly Facebook pages) and people tend to become very obnoxious and demeaning towards people wishing to grow elms inside.
I want to grow one inside to be part of the proof it CAN be done. I know it can as I’ve had very reliable sources telling me their customers have been growing individuals inside exclusively for over 20 years.
I would like to see if there is anyone here that has had success with indoor elms and knows that they don’t actually just grow themselves to death. Please let me know and feel free to offer pictures and/or links regarding the subject.
I have attached a picture of my elm that was repotted a week ago and is growing under a very good light inside, using Sollum dynamic LED greenhouse lighting.

Hi, that sounds like a really interesting project. Growing Chinese elms indoors is definitely possible, but it takes careful attention to lighting, humidity, and air circulation. Strong, full-spectrum LED lights and consistent watering without overwatering are key. Growth will be slower than outdoors, but with patience, your elm can thrive. Documenting progress with pictures over time would be really helpful for proof and for others interested in indoor elms. I’d love to see how your £12 elm develops under your setup!

 

[BrianBay9]

Hi, that sounds like a really interesting project. Growing Chinese elms indoors is definitely possible, but it takes careful attention to lighting, humidity, and air circulation. Strong, full-spectrum LED lights and consistent watering without overwatering are key. Growth will be slower than outdoors, but with patience, your elm can thrive. Documenting progress with pictures over time would be really helpful for proof and for others interested in indoor elms. I’d love to see how your £12 elm develops under your setup!

Agreed. Love to see the progress. It's been five years - enough time to assess the results, but the OP hasn't been seen again in that five years.

 

[HerbAvenue]

I am currently using 2 SANSI grow lights on my new Chinese Elm iv had for a week. I have a light meter and its currently getting about 1800-2300 FC of light, although I am finding differing advice on what is optimal for an Elm. The leaves still seem to be healthy from the lights.

 

[_#1_]

The leaves still seem to be healthy from the lights

Welcome aboard!

Good luck and please come back and update in a few months.

 

[HerbAvenue]

Welcome aboard!

Good luck and please come back and update in a few months.

Sure will! I actually just noticed nice big green buds where the stressed leaves fell from shipping. Such a good sign.