Zelkova bonsai, a better choice is the catlin elm bonsai tree

A zelkova tree is a very large sized deciduous tree usually growing to 100 ft tall. It is resistant to Dutch elm disease, which makes it a good replacement tree for American elm. As far as bonsai trees go the only alternative you have is the Catlin elm bonsai which is a smaller variety than the zelkova. You can review the zelkova bonsai here.

catlin elm bonsai - alternative to zelkova bonsai

Catlin Elm Bonsai - best alternative to a zelkova bonsai

The Catlin Elm is a sport of the common Chinese Elm. It is partly evergreen in mild climates and evergreen in the south. The leaves are very tiny, a 1/4 inch X 3/4 inch in length, also a shiny dark green, and smaller than Zelkova.

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The zelkova replacement tree pictured here is 10years old, 12 inches wide and 14 inches tall. The Catlin Elm bonsai can only be propagated by cutting or layering. It grows slower than a Chinese elm bonsai, but produces a much finer network of twigs and branches. Like all trees from the nursery it is recommended that you purcahse a humidity drip tray with your tree. There are different sizes but the one for this particular plant is under 8 dollars.

Zelkova serrata is similar in appearance to the elms, though may be distinguished by its unwinged fruit and leaves which are symmetrical rather than uneven at their base. It is often grown as an ornamental tree, both in its native area and in Europe and North America. This tree requires full to partial sun and prefers moist, well drained soils. A fertilizer rich in potassium and nitrogen encourages new vegetation and floral buds. To have as a bonsai the best choice that resembles this tree is the Catlin elm bonsai tree pictured above.