Many varieties of the Japanese maple grow very slowly and only achieve an increase of five to six centimeters per year. These Japanese maples, which remain rather small, are wonderfully suitable for a tub culture, provided you take proper care of the distinctive little trees. Japanese maple with its filigree leaves is particularly suitable for this purpose.

Due to its slow growth, the Japanese maple is well suited for growing in a bucket

Choosing the planter

In order for the Japanese maple to feel comfortable, it naturally needs the right planter. Make sure not only to choose a sufficiently deep, but also wide one. As a shallow root, the roots of the Japanese maple do not reach particularly deep, but rather grow wide. In addition, it makes sense to choose a pot made of natural material (e.g. clay), as excess moisture can escape from it better. Waterlogging quickly forms in plastic buckets.

The right location

The same applies to potted maples: they need a location that suits them. Whether this is in direct sun or in the light penumbra depends on the needs of the selected variety. In any case, the Japanese maple feels at home in a warm spot that is protected from the wind, and potted plants can always be conveniently moved quickly.

Ensure good drainage

Although the Japanese maple needs a lot of water, it does not tolerate waterlogging at all. Therefore, you should definitely pay attention to a very good drainage when planting:

  • Choose a planter with a drainage hole at the bottom.
  • Do not place this directly on a coaster.
  • Cover the hole with some pottery shards to avoid silting.
  • As the bottom layer, fill in several centimeters of expanded clay (19.73€) or something similar.
  • This is followed by a loose substrate mixed with clay granules.

Optimal care for the bucket maple

A Japanese maple cultivated in a pot naturally requires more care than a planted specimen. Pay particular attention to the following points:

  • Water regularly.
  • Carry out a finger test beforehand: the surface of the substrate should be dry.
  • Water in the morning and evening on hot summer days.
  • Fertilize every four weeks with a liquid fertilizer (e.g. maple fertilizer).
  • Fertilize period between April and August
  • If possible, do not cut maple in late autumn / winter
  • Cut as little as possible.

tips

Although the Japanese maple is hardy in our latitudes, specimens kept in pots should be protected from frost - otherwise the roots could freeze.

Category:

Trees