This Japanese ornamental plant with a long tradition is particularly appreciated for its continuous and spectacular transformations that follow the rhythm of the seasons: from the moment of tender spring buds to the lush splendour of its foliage during the summer, to the magnificent fiery red of its leaves in autumn. No less interesting is when, after the leaves have fallen, it displays its elegant silhouette and fine, unmistakable branching. It is a robust species, generally able to withstand cold as well as heat. It is long-lived as a bonsai tree, is easy to shape and responds well to cultivation techniques. Acer palmatum is cultivated in many varieties, including Kiyohime, Deshojo, Seigen, and is definitely a must-have tree in a collection.
As already mentioned, this plant is quite resistant to both heat and cold. However, in order not to damage its beautiful foliage, it is advisable to protect it from the most intense summer sun, while it should not be removed from full sun exposure in autumn, as this intensifies the color of the foliage. In winter, although it tolerates low temperatures well, it is best to protect the root system from frost.
The common rule of watering whenever the soil feels dry to the touch is also ideal for maple trees, bearing in mind, however, that during hotter periods and in strong winds, more frequent watering is required. In fact, in these cases, the soil often risks becoming completely dry. It is also important to bear in mind that both a lack of water and excess water can cause serious damage to the plant. More specifically, a lack of water causes the leaves to wilt and stunted growth, while excess water causes the tips of the leaves to turn black.
Transplanting should be done in spring when the buds swell, but before the leaves appear; annually on younger plants, every 2-3 years on more mature ones. The ideal mixture is 60% akadama + 30% ready-to-use soil + 10% pozzolana.
The best time to selectively prune maple branches is during the autumn leaf fall period (approximately 15-20 days), as this allows for a clearer view of the complete structure and avoids the risk of sap loss since the plant is dormant. Pruning can also be done when the plant starts growing again, but with less success. Large branches in particular should not be pruned during the growing season. Even applying healing paste would not stop the sap from leaking. When it comes to thinning pruning, it is important to bear in mind that maple buds appear in pairs, one on each side of the branch. By selecting the buds and pruning the branches appropriately, the new shoots will follow the direction of the chosen bud. Following a good pattern, based on the direction of the main branch, the secondary and tertiary branches should not cross, but form a dense and complete horizontal network. Once the canopy has formed, which takes about 5 years, the tree needs to be pruned vigorously every 4-5 years to maintain its size and shape.
Work is carried out on fully formed specimens in spring to prevent new shoots from spreading. Topping should continue throughout the growing season. For specimens still forming, defoliation is used, approximately every 2 years in May/June, removing all or part of the leaves but keeping the petiole, in order to increase finer branching.
It should be noted that due to the delicate bark of the maple tree, shaping is mainly achieved through pruning, so wrapping should only be applied when absolutely necessary, during the period of least activity, to avoid damaging the elegant bark. Due to the rapid growth rate of this species, the wire should never remain in place for more than two to three months.
From April to early July, apply Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer together with Bonsan Stimulating Fertilizer every 15 days, or Bonsan Hanagokoro Organic Solid Fertilizer plus Bonsan Stimulating Fertilizer once a month. From the end of August to October, fertilize every 15 days with Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer or Bonsan Hanagokoro Organic Solid Fertilizer. Twice a year (in autumn and at the end of winter), apply Bonsan Hanagokoro Organic Solid Fertilizer; 3-4 times a year, it is also advisable to use Bonsan Mineral Curative Solution. To stimulate rooting, use Bonsan Organic Mineral Fluid Fertilizer with B vitamins instead of Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer.
The pathogens most commonly found on this species are aphids, red spider mites, and powdery mildew. Attacks generally occur between spring and early fall. In the case of aphids, apply a specific aphicide every 10 days, carrying out at least 3 treatments. To prevent the formation of red spider mites, it is advisable to keep the plant in a well-ventilated environment: in the event of an attack, treat with an acaricide.
As already mentioned, this plant is quite resistant to both heat and cold. However, in order not to damage its beautiful foliage, it is advisable to protect it from the most intense summer sun, while it should not be removed from full sun exposure in autumn, as this intensifies the color of the foliage. In winter, although it tolerates low temperatures well, it is best to protect the root system from frost.
The common rule of watering whenever the soil feels dry to the touch is also ideal for maple trees, bearing in mind, however, that during hotter periods and in strong winds, more frequent watering is required. In fact, in these cases, the soil often risks becoming completely dry. It is also important to bear in mind that both a lack of water and excess water can cause serious damage to the plant. More specifically, a lack of water causes the leaves to wilt and stunted growth, while excess water causes the tips of the leaves to turn black.
Transplanting should be done in spring when the buds swell, but before the leaves appear; annually on younger plants, every 2-3 years on more mature ones. The ideal mixture is 60% akadama + 30% ready-to-use soil + 10% pozzolana.
The best time to selectively prune maple branches is during the autumn leaf fall period (approximately 15-20 days), as this allows for a clearer view of the complete structure and avoids the risk of sap loss since the plant is dormant. Pruning can also be done when the plant starts growing again, but with less success. Large branches in particular should not be pruned during the growing season. Even applying healing paste would not stop the sap from leaking. When it comes to thinning pruning, it is important to bear in mind that maple buds appear in pairs, one on each side of the branch. By selecting the buds and pruning the branches appropriately, the new shoots will follow the direction of the chosen bud. Following a good pattern, based on the direction of the main branch, the secondary and tertiary branches should not cross, but form a dense and complete horizontal network. Once the canopy has formed, which takes about 5 years, the tree needs to be pruned vigorously every 4-5 years to maintain its size and shape.
Work is carried out on fully formed specimens in spring to prevent new shoots from spreading. Topping should continue throughout the growing season. For specimens still forming, defoliation is used, approximately every 2 years in May/June, removing all or part of the leaves but keeping the petiole, in order to increase finer branching.
It should be noted that due to the delicate bark of the maple tree, shaping is mainly achieved through pruning, so wrapping should only be applied when absolutely necessary, during the period of least activity, to avoid damaging the elegant bark. Due to the rapid growth rate of this species, the wire should never remain in place for more than two to three months.
From April to early July, apply Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer together with Bonsan Stimulating Fertilizer every 15 days, or Bonsan Hanagokoro Organic Solid Fertilizer plus Bonsan Stimulating Fertilizer once a month. From the end of August to October, fertilize every 15 days with Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer or Bonsan Hanagokoro Organic Solid Fertilizer. Twice a year (in autumn and at the end of winter), apply Bonsan Hanagokoro Organic Solid Fertilizer; 3-4 times a year, it is also advisable to use Bonsan Mineral Curative Solution. To stimulate rooting, use Bonsan Organic Mineral Fluid Fertilizer with B vitamins instead of Bonsan Organic Liquid Fertilizer.
The pathogens most commonly found on this species are aphids, red spider mites, and powdery mildew. Attacks generally occur between spring and early fall. In the case of aphids, apply a specific aphicide every 10 days, carrying out at least 3 treatments. To prevent the formation of red spider mites, it is advisable to keep the plant in a well-ventilated environment: in the event of an attack, treat with an acaricide.
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