Japanese Maple
The Acer palmatum, or Japanese Maple, is a favorite of bonsai masters.
Most Popular Types
Acer palmatum is the most common Japanese Maple. Other popular ones have smaller leaves: Acer pseudosieboldianu microphyllum and Acer shirasawanum microphylla which is also known as Full Moon Maple.
Light
Morning sun and afternoon shade. The leaves can easily be scorched by the sun.
Temperatures
Japanese Maple prefers to not be in a windy location, particularly during the winter. It can tolerate temperatures down to -10°F for short periods.
Watering
Keep the japanese Maple consistently moist.
Toxicity
Toxic to horses. Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. The leaves are added to some Japanese dishes.
Growth
Planted in the ground, the Japanese Maple can grow 1-2 ft per year. As a bonsai, these trees need growth stunting for at least 10 years before they are ready for training.
Origin
Japan, Korea, Mongolia, China, and southeast Russia
Propagation
Maples can be propagated from cuttings with an expected 50% success rate. They are very easy to grow from seed. Often, seedings can be found beneath the canopy of a mature tree.
Japanese Maples from some garden centers are grafted onto the Acer palmatum, Longer life spans for bonsai-trained Japanese Maples are expected from those grown from cuttings or seed.
Dormancy
Winter dormant. This is considered a four-season tree, as its beauty transforms throughout the year.
jap maple bonsai
Japanese maple bonsai
Japanese maple bonsai
Japanese maple bonsai tree
acer palmatum red dragon
The leaves of the Red Dragon and Crimson Queen are very delicate.
Workshops at Growing Hobby
Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.