classify a bonsai

[laxkhat]

how can i classify what type my bonsai is? no websites have been helpful, as i cant seem to find images that resemble my own? and it doesnt help that my instruction booklet came in french.

[woofgang]

what is the french name or what french does it say about looking after it?

[laxkhat]

couldn't say. have general idea that it says keep it lit areas etc. but there is no name on it. i guess buying it from homebase was not a bright idea. however it does mention that it is traditional oriental art and ancient form - thanks to my GCSE in the language i pretty much gathered that with ease.

[Philtaz]

Buying from Homebas is OK, the one's I've seen there are pretty well looked after. There is a 90% chance it is a Chinese Elm as they sell a lot of these and they are very easy to look after, even for a novice. What are the leaves like? Are theyserrated with V shaped ribs? If so then it will be an elm. If the leaves are straight, smooth and pointed with a slight sheen to them you may have bought a Serissa. If it smells bad when you prune it then it is a Serissa(they are meant to smell bad when pruned.) These are the two most common types sold in garden centres.

[laxkhat]

Thanks all for your help and advice, the bonsai is a Chinese Elm. x