The Japanese Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is ideal for a bucket culture on the balcony or terrace. The ornamental tree, which is often referred to as 'slit maple' because of its characteristically deeply slit or lobed leaves, belongs to the shallow roots, and it also grows very slowly, averaging around five to ten centimeters per year.
Japanese maple generally thrives very well in pots
Choosing the right variety
In principle, (almost) all varieties of Japanese maple can be cultivated in a pot - provided, of course, that it is big enough. Naturally, however, the dwarf varieties are best suited, including such popular varieties as 'Kamagata', 'Kotohime' and various 'Dissectum' slotted maples such as 'Garnet'. Incidentally, the red Japanese maple is particularly interesting, which with its brightly colored foliage is an impressive eye-catcher not only in autumn.
location and substrate
Japanese maples prefer different locations depending on the variety. Some of these exotic species like it very sunny, others feel more comfortable in the light penumbra. Fortunately, however, keeping them in containers has the advantage that - in contrast to planted specimens - the location remains variable. If necessary, the pot simply has to be moved. However, it is important to pay special attention to the substrate in the pot.
Plant Japanese maple in a bucket
The ornamental tree likes it nice and moist, but absolutely does not tolerate waterlogging. For this reason, when planting or repotting, you should not only pay attention to the right substrate, but also to good drainage. A mixture of loose, humus-rich potting soil, coarse sand and expanded clay (€19.73) or clay granules is suitable as potting soil.
- Choose a pot that is as deep and wide as possible with water drainage at the bottom.
- The planter should be about twice the size of the root ball.
- Place some potsherds over the drain hole to avoid silting.
- A layer of expanded clay or clay granules several centimeters thick is placed on top of this.
- Only now fill the plant substrate in the pot.
The right care
When it comes to watering and fertilizing, the following applies to Japanese maple: Less is more. Of course, you should use fertilizer more often than with planted specimens, because unlike others, potted maples cannot take care of themselves. Ideally, a good complete fertilizer or a special maple fertilizer is used about every three to four weeks, organic fertilizers are also very suitable. Prune Japanese maples as little as possible.
tips
Also in contrast to specimens planted out, Japanese maples in the tub need good winter protection, otherwise the sensitive roots will freeze to death in severe frost and the plant will die.