Japanese Maple trees move water from their roots to their branches very quickly. There are two things to consider when deciding when to prune a maple bonsai: ensuring you prune at a time when the tree can repair the damage, and avoiding sap bleeding from the tree when you prune. We'll look at each of these techniques in turn so you have all the tools you need to advance your maple bonsais. Maples in early development will need the structural branches selected, while a bonsai in secondary development or refinement will need more focussed pruning of secondary branches, as well as partial defoliation and pinching to encourage ramification. You can control growth on a Japanese maple using various methods, but it all depends on what stage of development your tree is at. So while it can be tempting to grow a Japanese Maple bonsai indoors, it isn't fair on the tree or yourself and it will be much happier outside where it belongs. Without a period of dormancy every year, a Japanese Maple tree will slowly lose strength and die over the course of a few years. This can make it harder for the tree to photosynthesize, and will also contribute to the elongated growth we mentioned above.įinally, the cold and dark conditions required for winter dormancy can't be replicated indoors. Also, the levels of UV light in your house will be less than they are outside, as the light is filtered by your windows. The environment indoors tends to be far warmer and drier than outdoors, which increases the water demands on your tree. Sadly, I have not found this to be true (it may be possible, but it is very difficult and honestly not worth the effort). It is fairly common to see sources on the internet claiming Japanese Maple bonsai trees can be grown indoors. The winter protection you provide could range anywhere from heeling the tree in with leaves or mulch, placing it in a wind shelter or cold frame, or even moving it into a heated or unheated greenhouse. However, if you have a tree that is very old, has been in a bonsai container for a very long time, or showed a health issue or weak growth through the year, you may want to consider some protection. However, this all depends on your environment and the bonsai itself.Īt temperatures above -10☌ (15☏), you will not need to provide any winter protection for most Acer palmatum bonsai. The species is frost tolerant and does not necessarily require any special winter protection. Japanese maple trees are deciduous and require a period of winter dormancy each year. This will diminish your ability to create a finely ramified bonsai with tight internodes, so avoid overly shading your maples if they don't need it. This is the tree's natural response to being shaded out - it tries to elongate its growth to find better sunlight levels. Japanese Maple bonsai will develop longer internodes and less ramification if they are grown in the shade. They are vulnerable to leaf burn in higher temperatures, so when it gets hotter than around 30☌ (85☏) consider placing them in partial shade. Japanese Maple bonsai should be cultivated outdoors, and thrive in sunny locations. This is one of the reasons I love Japanese Maple as a bonsai subject - it is accessible to beginners but has plenty to motivate advanced practitioners to improve their trees. The species is native to Japan, Korea, and China, and derives its name from the Latin term for palm, which references the five-pointed lobes of its leaves that resemble the fingers of a hand.Īcer palmatum is fairly straightforward to care for as a bonsai, but to really get the best out of them there are many nuances to their pruning, repotting, and fertilization that can take your tree to the next level. Its smooth, unblemished trunk, plate-like nebari, and delicate, intricately ramified branches make it an ideal subject for bonsai enthusiasts. In this blog, we'll delve into the fundamentals of Japanese Maple bonsai care, providing helpful tips and guidance for both beginners and experienced growers.Īcer palmatum is a beloved and iconic species in the world of bonsai. Although it requires a bit more attention compared to some other bonsai species, the effort put into its care is well worth it for the end result. With its graceful appearance and stunning fall foliage, Japanese Maple bonsai is highly prized among enthusiasts. Japanese Maple, or Acer palmatum, is a popular species of tree in bonsai culture due to its delicate leaves, vibrant colors, and unique branching patterns.
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