Bonsai
enthusiast alike. This is partly
due to the Japanese Maple Bonsai
tree a having large leafy
appearance, especially during the
autumn months when the leaves turn
to vivid yellow and red just like a
naturally growing maple tree.
Some varieties like the Trident
Maple Bonsai tree thrive extremely
well as indoor plants, but as we
know Bonsai trees should be
considered outdoor specimens. The
general consensus is that most
varieties of the Japanese Maple
Bonsai tree are best suited to
partial shade whether that’s indoors
or out.
Being a deciduous tree the Japanese
Maple Bonsai survives the winter months extremely well.
Some extra care should be given during this time as they
will require less water. Also when the Maple is stored
outside, make certain that it’s placed in a sheltered
position, so that any sudden temperature drop doesn’t
cause the roots to freeze.
It’s safe to treat the Japanese Red
Maple tree to plenty of water during the summer months,
provided of course, as with all Bonsai trees that there
is adequate drainage in place. For this type of Bonsai
some extra moisture isn't adverse, although, and
especially for the flowering sub species of Bonsai
trees, Maples prefer their soil to be moist.
The Japanese red Maple tree adapts
very well to numerous styles. However, by far the most
poplar Bonsai technique is the informal upright, or
Shakan style. This style lends itself well to the Maple
Bonsai mainly due to their leafy foliage and fragile
branches.
If the Shakan style isn’t for you,
then it is possible to train the Japanese Red Maple
Bonsai tree using the Han-Kengai or semi cascading
technique instead. However, be advised that due to the
brittle branches and fragile trunk of the Maple,
adequate care should be administered not to cause
permanent damage when using this Bonsai style.
The Han-Kengai training style is
best achieved without any wiring. Instead, by using a
piece of suitable string or cord, securely wrap one end
around the trunk, ensuring that the Maple Bonsai has
enough room to breath. With the other end of the cord,
fasten it to a stake. Play around with the tightness
of the cord until you achieve the desired curvature of
the trunk. Remember, that the branches and trunk of the
Japanese Red Maple Bonsai tree are fragile and therefore
susceptible to breakage when administering the
Han-Kengai Bonsai style.
Caring for the Maple Bonsai is
similar to other species in that it’s safe to feed it
once a month with a fertilizer that has a slow release
formula. Again, you should be looking to feed this
particular Bonsai tree during the spring right through
until autumn, remembering to wean the tree off the
fertilizer during any sustained hot periods.
Since the Japanese Red Maple Bonsai
Tree can produce a multitude of branches and leaves, the
root system will develop as necessary in order to fully
support the miniature tree. Therefore adequate time
should be taken in order to properly prune this Bonsai
tee. Depending on the age and maturity of this Bonsai
the roots and branches can be pruned more belligerently.
With the Maple Bonsai tree, any
branch pruning is generally best scheduled for autumn or
early winter when the tree has shed it’s leaves and in a
dormant state. This makes it easier, especially for
anyone beginning Bonsai to clearly see any unwanted
branches. Ultimately this leads to fewer errors when
pruning as the Bosai artists has a complete unhindered
view of the working area.
A good tip when pruning the
Japanese Red Maple Bonsai tree is to invest in some
quality pruning paste. You will find that the Maple
heals faster, and is less susceptible to infection when
Bonsai pruning paste is applied directly to any open
wound.
