More and more people nowadays are getting fond of bonsai as their hobby. Growing bonsai can indeed give lots of benefits for health such as patience. One of the most favorite bonsai trees is Japanese maple bonsai; this plant belongs to the family of Aceraceae.
There are approximately 128 species and thousands of varieties of maple can be in the northern hemisphere.
Some of the maple species are already extinct and some others are in danger for facing extinction. The most stunning part of Japanese maple is the leaves which turn to a beautiful red during autumn and during winter; it will lose the leaves and become a deciduous tree.
Speaking of bonsai, Japanese maple bonsai has the most beautiful looking bonsai tree. Moreover, this bonsai is easy to grow and care; it is hardy and sturdy bonsai tree. Similar to other bonsai, Japanese maple bonsai also requires proper care to make it grow for years. There are several basic steps for caring Japanese maple bonsai.
It is important to keep in mind that Japanese maple bonsai is not a houseplant; it originally an outdoor plant which then treated as a miniature tree. Therefore, then proper placement can make the maple bonsai last for years.
During winter or cold season, the maple bonsai is also in dormancy stage and it should be placed in cold or cool place. The common method is placing the Japanese maple bonsai in an unheated garage or dungeon which are protected from sun and light because, in dormancy state, the maple bonsai does not need sunlight.
But, you have to keep the water it for every two weeks. During spring, summer, and autumn, the Japanese maple bonsai need sufficient amount of sunlight; therefore you can place it in open places such as balcony, garden, or terrace.
You can also place the maple bonsai for indoor display but do not keep it for more than two weeks since it can affect the health of the maple bonsai itself.
Watering is a very important stage for any type of bonsai as well as the Japanese maple bonsai. The maple bonsai should be watered once the soil is dry but do not let the soil become completely dry.
You can make the watering schedule according to the pot size, type of the maple bonsai and the soil. Different maple bonsai variety requires a different watering plan.
Since Japanese maple bonsai plants in the limited space with limited soil; it nutrition needs depend on the owner. Maple bonsai should be fed at least once a month during spring, summer and autumn except during dormancy in winter.
Any kind of liquid fertilizer should be fine to support the bonsai health. However, make sure not to over fertilizing it because it can cause the branch to overgrow.
Pinching and trimming
Different types and varieties of bonsai require different trimming plan since they are different in growing. You should analyze each maple bonsai and make a trimming plan. Trimming and pinching can keep the Japanese maple bonsai beautiful in shape and stay in miniature.
It may seem easy to care Japanese maple bonsai; however there are some secret factors for growing maple bonsai successfully. If the maple bonsai tree leaves receives so much amount of sunlight, you better not water it right away.
For the watering plan, it is better to water Japanese maple bonsai for twice a day; in the morning and afternoon.
When the maple bonsai starts to grow new shoots, you should give fertilizer which is low in nitrogen for at least once a week.
For a better environment, it is better to plant the Japanese maple bonsai in a deep pot with proper drainage which allows the root to spread and grow healthily. For pruning and trimming purpose, you have to be very carefully to choose which branch should be trimmed and which one should not.
Some of the Japanese maple bonsai species grows new shoots from the bottom of the branch; hence this new shoots should be removed. Special care and attention should be given during the winter.
The Japanese maple to be exposed to winter condition since this process promotes the new leaves growth. In some species such as Amur maples, winter is the best season to grow leaves.
The proper care for Japanese bonsai tree can keep the maple bonsai stunning and beautiful and more importantly last for years.