Unlike some other bonsai specimens, Japanese maple bonsai are great for beginners and do not require as much care and skill to keep happy. Adding a drainage layer of rocks or pebbles to the bottom of the pot will help to prevent waterlogging. Propagation: The Japanese maple can easily be propagated by planting seeds, cuttings, or air layering in the summer. Watering: A Japanese Maple Bonsai must be watered daily during the growing season. These trees are deciduous and … Japanese maple bonsai require well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 in order to thrive. This is a bonsai species which is known to be one of the finest Japanese creations. Although they are native to Japan, they are adaptable to a wide range of climates in North America, Europe, China, and Korea. For more detailed information on these techniques, check out our Bonsai tree care section. Maple trees are deciduous small trees, with odd … Maples grow well in containers and they tend to reduce their size in containers very nicely. This disease is not treatable and can be transmitted to other trees via your Bonsai tools. Take a softwood cutting of your chosen cultivar of maple in early summer. Bonsai is the ancient Japanese art form of growing ornamental miniature or artificially dwarfed trees in containers using cultivation techniques designed to mimic the shape and scale of full-sized trees. The leaves of Japanese maple bonsai should also be actively pruned throughout the growing season to keep them small and match the shape of the overall tree. Japanese maple bonsai grow roots quickly and vigorously and will require root pruning at the time of repotting. Wiring a Japanese maple bonsai should be done in the summer months while the tree still has all of its leaves, and the wires should not be left on for more than six months at a time. Generally, as with most bonsai, the Japanese maple variety does not need to be repotted regularly once it is well-established. Avoid chopping any large, main roots as you don’t want to disturb the main system. … [2] X Research source There are many possible cultivars of Japanese maple. It owes its botanical name to the hand-shaped leaves with five pointed lobes. The Japanese maple is not only an easy tree to grow, but it … The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Japanese maple bonsai require regular fertilizing to encourage strong and consistent new growth. The young shoots in spring have yellowish, orange, or even bright red leaves. Japanese maple bonsai grow roots quickly and vigorously and will require root pruning at the time of repotting. While you can get away with once-a-day or every other day watering … We will replace product that is damaged or lost in transit. They develop into maple seeds that are shaped like a paired winged nut that floats to the ground like propellers when they drop. Japanese maple bonsai trees are most common choice for bonsai because of its decorative, colorful and ornamental foliages. Japanese maple, image courtesy of Walter Pall. It’s beautiful colors are aesthetically pleasing to the eye and is certain to brighten up any area of your home. They are very well-proven, especially for more mature Japanese Maple Bonsai. Japanese maple bonsai (Acer palmatum) are much appreciated. As with most bonsai, any heavy pruning of main branches or stems should be saved for the late fall to winter months. It should not be done every year because it puts quite a bit of stress on the tree. During the fall, switch to a nitrogen-free fertilizer and cut back on the frequency of feeding. Japanese maples make wonderful plants for Bonsai. You can identify it on fresh cuts as black spots in the wood. Japanese Maple Bonsai Trees are best known for their unique leaf shape and seasonal changes. Placement : Japanese Maple Bonsai do really well in sunny and airy location, but when temperatures rise to 85 °F (30 °C) or above, it should be placed somewhere with indirect sunlight to prevent damaging the leaves. Pruning: Trimming shoots and twigs can be done year-round. In general, bonsai trees require a significant amount of moisture in order to survive, and Japanese maples are no exception. Watering: A Japanese Maple Bonsai must be watered … Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that can cause the Japanese Maple Bonsai to partially or completely die. Generally, using a commercially available bonsai soil mix is best as they are specially formulated to support the growth of bonsai trees. The Japanese maple has a scientific name of Acer palmatum. While they are cold-hardy trees, they can only tolerate short periods of freezing temperatures and should be protected from harsh winter climates. Placement : Japanese Maple Bonsai do really well in sunny and airy location, but when temperatures rise to 85 °F (30 °C) or above, it should be placed somewhere with indirect sunlight to prevent damaging the leaves. Care guide for the Japanese Maple Bonsai tree. Continue reading about watering Bonsai trees. Japanese maple bonsai are susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Select a maple tree branch that is appealing in shape. Use a well-drained soil mixture, like Akadama mixed with Pumice and lava rock. Partial leaf pruning is a more gentle and less stressful pruning method, so it can be done every year. Mature Bonsai with a delicate ramification can be pinched in order to keep the twigs thin. Japanese maple Bonsai tree, by Heike van Gunst. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Checking the tree regularly for signs of an infestation is the best way to help prevent damage from pests and diseases. There are countless varieties of Japanese Maple with different leaf colors, shapes, and sizes. Pests and diseases: The Japanese Maple is a very sturdy tree species, but it can be affected by sap-sucking insects known as aphids in spring. In particular, keep an eye out for aphids, verticillium wilt, and powdery mildew. However, young trees benefit from yearly repotting to help refresh the soil and prune the rootball. Maple trees are easy to grow from cuttings. If you'd like a stronger growth on young plants or raw material, you can combine your regular dosage with a liquid fertilizer once a week. Palma is Latin for palm, as in the palm of your hand. Japanese maple bonsai are relatively easy to care for and make great bonsai for beginners and professionals alike. The Japanese maple bonsai tree would be one of them which may draw your attention. Another benefit of the Japanese maple bonsai is that it does not require as much sunlight as most other bonsai varieties. The Japanese Maple is frost hardy, even when trained as a Bonsai, but when temperatures drop below 15 °F (-10 °C), it should be protected. Remove the largest leaves, closely spaced leaves, or the leaves in the strongest areas of the tree. General Background:. Red leaved varieties (often referred to as simply a red maple) include the Deshojo and Seigen. These trees are deciduous and lose all their leaves during winter. It's also well-known and popular for its very attractive yellow, orange, and red autumn colors, orange and red maples being the most popular. This is a bonsai species which is known to be one of the finest Japanese creations. Leaf pruning is the removal of all leaves during the growing season to encourage a second and often finer flush of growth. Avoid watering with calcareous water as the Japanese Maple prefers a neutral or slightly acid pH-value. Generally, using a commercially available bonsai soil mix is best as they are specially formulated to support the growth of bonsai trees. When pruning thick branches we advise using a cut paste product to prevent fungal diseases that can enter through pruning wounds. They are characterized by a moderate growth rate and can be easily trained through regular pruning and wiring. The Japanese Maple Bonsai is a very popular choice amongst Bonsai enthusiasts, because it’s simple to grow and it is a very hardy tree, making it a perfect first choice. If you need help identifying your tree, take a look at our Bonsai tree identification guide. When pruning, remove all the leaves, but make sure to leave the leaf-stems intact. It is an extremely compact bonsai tree and is known for its delicate foliage and beautiful hues of reds and gold throughout the leaves. The greenish-yellow flowers bloom in clusters and appear in May through June. 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