Japanese Maple

The Japanese Maple or Acer is one of my favourite trees,there are so many different varieties, with different colours from reds and purples through to greens and yellows, that you could have a complete collection of Acer bonsai.

Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum) in autumn

© Walter
Pall | Dreamstime.com

Positioning

If you keep your Acer outside it does like full light but will benefit
from being shaded during hot summer sun.The Japanese Maple should
be kept out of direct sunshine during the hottest time of the day.

Also during the colder months it should be protected from severe
frost (as you would a normal sized Acer)

The Acer is suitable for most styles and can be propagated from seeds,cuttings, layering and air-layering. If you have one in your garden why not have a go at air-layering! you get a bonsai for free and you also get an older looking tree in a shorter space of time.

Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum) in summer

© Walter
Pall | Dreamstime.com

Repotting

Younger specimens can be repotted every other year and older ones can be done every 2 or 3 years. Spring is the time to repot and pruning the roots by up to half can be carried out at the same time.

Pests and Diseases

Mildew, aphids or greenfly and root rot can affect your Japanese Maple.