Asian maple species can be excellently cultivated in tubs, so that balcony gardeners do not have to do without the spectacular fireworks of the autumnal foliage colors. Slotted maple (Acer palmatum) and Japanese maple (Acer japonicum) demonstrate Far Eastern composure not only in terms of their growth. These tips show how easy it is to care for ornamental trees on the balcony.

Many Japanese maple species also thrive in pots - for example as bonsai

Pouring with instinct - How to do it right

Small maple trees and shrubs have a soft spot for consistency. This applies primarily to the water balance. The substrate should be evenly moist, neither dry nor dripping wet. A simple finger test is enough to determine the current watering requirement. That is how it goes:

  • Press your finger 2 cm deep into the substrate regularly (daily in summer) in the morning or evening
  • Water the maple when it is noticeably dry
  • Pour the water directly onto the root disc until it runs out of the bottom opening of the bucket
  • Allow the surface of the soil to dry well before the next watering

Please avoid overhead watering. Wet maple leaves pose a risk of fungal infestation in the summertime.

Fertilize every 4 weeks

The limited substrate volume in the bucket only makes a small contribution to the nutrient supply. Give a potted maple a liquid green fertilizer every 4 weeks from April to September. It is important to note that you water before and after with clear water so that the nutrient salts are fully absorbed by the roots.

Winter protection is mandatory - Here's how

In the bucket on the balcony, your maple is vulnerable to frost. Therefore, place the vessel on an insulating block of wood in good time. Wrap the pot in bubble wrap or coconut mats.(21.90€) A thick layer of foliage on the substrate wards off the winter chill. To keep the leaves from being blown away, lay needle sticks over them.

The water supply is just as important as the protective measures. Potted maple is more often at risk of drought stress during the cold season than in summer. Therefore, water on mild days so that the substrate does not dry out completely.

tips

The slow growth of maple species in tubs only requires pruning in exceptional cases. If necessary, cut back protruding branches in early spring, just before growth begins. As long as a cut is limited to the one-year-old wood, the little tree will reliably sprout again.

Category:

Trees