Returned to Chinese Elm Bonsai after a difficult first attempt

My first attempt at Chinese Elm Bonsai failed — spider mite and scale in stressful growing conditions got hold of it and I didn't know what I was looking at until it was too late. I left it alone for a year before trying again.

The second attempt, with proper attention to watering daily in summer as bonsai pots dry out fast, has been completely different. It's now thriving in a purpose-built outdoor bonsai bench with correct height and miniaturisation of full-grown tree characteristics is on full display. vigorous growing season requiring wiring and pinching this year was a genuine reward for starting again. If you failed first time, the plant isn't the problem — the conditions probably were.