Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree Care Guide

Background 

The Japanese Maple is a deciduous tree, a classic bonsai subject. Five-lobbed leaves turn red in autumn, and bark develops silver colouring with age. There are over 250 cultivars. 

Pictured above is a Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum) by Harry Harrington.

Japanese Maple Simple Care Guide

Position - Full sun. Slight shade in summer and blistering hot days as maple leaves can easily burn. Protect from severe frost. 

Watering - Daily throughout growing season. Sparingly in winter, but keep moist. 

Feeding - Weekly for the first month after leaf buds open, then every two weeks until late summer. 

Repotting - Every second year in early spring until tree is about 10 years old, then as necessary. Use basic soil mix. 

Pruning - Trim new growth in spring, and leaf cut in midsummer. 

Propagation - Seed, cuttings, layering, air layering. 

Styles - Suitable for all styles except literati, and for all sizes.