The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is a very varied maple species. Numerous breeds have emerged from it over the centuries, especially because this tree species is very popular for bonsai culture in its Japanese homeland. Red Japanese maple is particularly interesting for this purpose, because thanks to its striking foliage color it offers a distinctive sight all year round.

The Japanese maple is a particularly attractive bonsai because of its beautiful coloring

location

Japanese maple needs a location that is as bright as possible and, above all, sheltered from the wind, but which does not offer sun all day long. Most varieties are satisfied with morning and afternoon sunshine, but prefer to be in the light shade in midsummer and at midday. With strong radiation, the leaves can wither from sunburn, leaf tip drought can also occur as a result of drafts.

watering and fertilizing

When it comes to water requirements, the Japanese maple is a bit complicated: it likes it moist and should not dry out if possible - but the tree does not like too moist either. The exotic does not tolerate waterlogging at all, which is why you should also ensure good drainage. A liquid fertilizer is used to fertilize about every three to four weeks, whereby you should initially reduce the doses - at least if you spend the winter outdoors - until about the beginning / middle of August and then stop.

cutting and wiring

In contrast to other maple species, the Japanese maple is generally more tolerant of pruning, but should only be pruned in the months of May and June and should also always be treated with a wound sealant (preferably tree wax). For finer branching and smaller leaves, the shoot tips are cut back after they have budded. Wiring takes place in June, although the wire should be removed after six months at the latest.

hibernate

The Japanese maple is actually a hardy tree species that is used to long and snowy winters in its Japanese homeland. However, since the plant as a bonsai is in shallow pots, its roots can quickly be damaged by frost. For this reason, Japanese maple should only stay outside with good winter protection or hibernate frost-free at a maximum of six degrees Celsius.

diseases and other disorders

Like all maples, Japanese maples are also very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which is caused by fungi and causes the leaves and then the shoots to dry up suddenly and seemingly without any reason. So far, there is no effective remedy against this disease, and the tree that has been so carefully cared for is usually doomed to die. Merely repotting in fresh substrate and a drastic pruning can sometimes bring about salvation.

Appropriate Varieties

Traditionally, the following varieties of Japanese maple are cultivated as bonsai:

variety growth Annual growth leaves autumn coloring particularities
atropurpureum tree-like, sprawling 30 to 50 cm dark red bright red intense color
Beni komachi upright 5 to 10 cm purple to salmon red bright red wavy leaf edges
Katsura upright 5 to 7 cm light green bright orange dwarf, small leaves
Murasaki kiyohime spreading 5 to 6 cm light green with a red edge yellow dwarf
Kotohime columnar 5 to 10 cm green bright yellow small leaves
Orange Dream upright 5 to 10 cm yellow-green yellow-orange good branching
Osakazuki upright, shrubby 10 to 15 cm fresh green bright red beautiful bloom
shaina densely bushy 5 to 10 cm bright red orange cut compatible

tips

Up to an age of about 10 years, Japanese maple is repotted every two years, after that every five years.

Category:

Trees