Bonsai elm help

Question

My girlfriend’s mother gave me this elm to try and help bring it back. It’s not dead, but it’s obviously seen better days.

I removed all of the dead branches. How can I get it to put out new growth? I currently have it outside where it’ll receive 2-3 hours of direct sunlight and the rest of the day receive ambient light from the sky. Will that be enough to stimulate or would a grow light on 13 hour cycles be a better choice? Her mother had it outside all summer in full direct sunlight and it ceased growing a month or so ago.

I grow many ficus benjaminas and some other tropical plants, but I don’t have any experience with bonsai or this Chinese elm. Any help bringing it back would be much appreciated. I know it won’t be over night, and we’re also approaching the end of the growing season, but I was hoping to give it back to her next spring/summer and having it look better.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I would recommend exactly the care you have given it.
Let is try to recover with proper light and watering.
Do not try to fertilize it into health.
Here are a few links with basic Bonsai information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bonsai/first-bonsai.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/bonsai/bonsai.htm