These compact trees offer a moderate growth habit that slows with age.
The broadly spreading crown features layered branching with the signature palm-shaped leaves.
They are characterized by a moderate growth rate and can be easily trained through regular pruning and wiring.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
In general, Japanese maples respond very well to wiring as their branches are flexible and easily shaped.
Light
Japanese maple bonsai do not need as muchsunlightas some bonsai specimens do.
This makes them perfect for gardeners with partly shady backyards.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They especially need shade during hot summer months when too much sunlight may scorch leaves.
Soil
Japanese maple bonsai require well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with apHbetween 5.5 and 6.5 for thrive.
Fertilizer
Japanese maple bonsai require regular fertilizing to encourage strong and consistent new growth.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
During the spring and summer, feed Japanese maple bonsai every other week with an organic bonsaifertilizeror liquid fertilizer.
During the fall, switch to a nitrogen-free fertilizer and cut back on the frequency of feeding.
Propagating Japanese Maple Bonsai
Many of the amazing-looking Japanese maple bonsai varieties have been grafted.
Aleroy4 / Getty Images
Therefore propagating your own Japanese maple bonsai is not recommended.
When the tree reaches 10 years old, repot every three years.
However, young trees benefit from yearly repotting to help refresh the soil and prune the rootball.
Using bonsai pots will help to achieve the bonsai aesthetic, and restrict the trees growth over time.
The best time to repot Japanese maple bonsai is in the spring months just before the buds have opened.
Japanese maple bonsai grow roots quickly and vigorously and will requireroot pruningat the time of repotting.
Cut back up to 13 of the roots, starting from the outside and moving inwards.
Avoid chopping any large, main roots as you dont want to disturb the main system.
Put it in a sheltered location outdoors.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Japanese maple bonsai are susceptible to a few common pests and diseases.
In particular, keep an eye out foraphids,verticillium wilt, andpowdery mildew.
Japanese maple has flexible branches, which makes it an excellent candidate for bonsai training.
There are many different varieties of Japanese maples that can be grown as bonsai.
Dwarf Japanese maple cultivars with small leaves such as ‘Beni Hime’ make the best candidates for bonsai.
With proper care and in the right conditions, it can live 100 years or longer.
Bonsai Pests and Diseases.
