Indian Elm Plant Care

Indian Elm (Holoptelea integrifolia) belongs to the Ulmaceae family within the Holoptelea genus. Indian Elm is native to most of Indian subcontinent, Indo-China and Myanmar. Indian Elm is also known as Jungle Floss Tree, Kadamb, Kanji.

Indian Elm displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Indian Elm produces inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Indian Elm every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Indian Elm thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Holoptelea integrifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Indian Elm prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Indian Elm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Indian Elm every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Indian Elm is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Indian Elm can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Indian Elm while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Indian Elm is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Indian Elm can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings.

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Indian Elm is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Indian Elm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Indian Elm is native to most of Indian subcontinent, Indo-China and Myanmar. In cooler regions, grow Indian Elm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.