Acer palmatum Species Guide
All Acer palmatum/Japanese Maples are highly recommended for use as bonsai.
Ease of Cultivation 9/10 Suitablity for Bonsai Styling 9/10
Across the range of the species there is variation in growth habit, leaf size, leaf shape and spring, summer and autumn colour. Varieties with a green summer leaf colour tend to be more robust whilst red-leaved varieties are weaker. All varieties have a strong Spring and Autumn colour.
Avoid grafted nursery trees often seen for sale in UK garden centres. Only purchase grafted nursery trees grafted specifically for bonsai with a very neat graft low down on the trunk.
Position Outdoor tree only. Out of strong sunlight and strong winds throughout the year to protect leaves against sun and wind scorch. Protect against frosts below -10°C. A. palmatum do badly in hot or tropical climates as they require a dormant period (winter temperatures of less than 10°C for at least 44 days) and burn easily in strong sunlight.
Repotting Every 1 or 2 years as buds extend in Spring until the tree is over 10yrs, then as necessary in a basic soil mix.
Pruning Standard pruning for deciduous bonsai. Can be defoliated/leaf cut at Midsummer. Do not hard prune in Spring as heavy wounds will bleed.
Wiring Wiring can be carried out at any time from early-spring to late-autumn.
Propagation Sow seed as soon as ripe. Air -layers should be carried out as soon as spring growth hardens off in May. Cuttings strike easily but can have a high failure rate and are weak for 2 or 3 seasons.
Pests and diseases Aphids, scale insects, caterpillars and viruses including Verticillum wilt.
For more detailed information on Acer palmatum please visit the main Bonsai4me.com website (not mobi)
Copyright © 2006 Bonsai4me and Harry Harrington.