Overview
Japanese Maple Bonsai (Acer palmatum) is a elegant deciduous maple loved for fine branching, spring colour and autumn display. It is best suited to refined bonsai, informal upright, broom, forest and multi-trunk styles. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor.
Placement
morning sun or bright partial shade; protect delicate leaves from hot sun and strong wind
Watering
keep evenly moist in the growing season; never let the root ball dry completely
Feeding and fertilising
feed in spring and early summer; avoid excessive nitrogen on refined trees
Pruning and wiring
structural pruning in late winter/early spring, with light trimming through the growing season
Repotting
repot every 2-3 years in early spring before leaves open
Propagation
grafting, air layering and seed; cultivars are usually grafted
Pests, diseases and common issues
leaf scorch, aphids, verticillium wilt and frost damage to new leaves