Japanese maple bonsai trees are perfect for beginners. Find out how to care for them, from sunlight needs to pruning and pest control.
Bonsai is an old Japanese art of growing small trees in pots. These trees are carefully shaped to look like full-sized trees using special growing and trimming techniques.
Japanese maples are popular bonsai trees because of their bright fall colors and easy care. These small trees grow at a steady pace that slows down as they get older. They have a wide, spreading top with branches that grow in layers and leaves that look like little palms.
Japanese maple bonsai are great for beginners because they’re easier to care for than some other bonsai trees.
They also don’t need as much sunlight as many other types. Their thin, delicate branches are easy to bend and shape, which makes them perfect for learning bonsai training techniques.
Propagating Japanese Maple Bonsai
Many beautiful Japanese maple bonsai trees are made by grafting. If you try to grow one from cuttings or seeds, it won’t turn out the same as the bonsai you want. Even if you grow it from seed, it takes at least three years before the tree is ready to shape. That’s why it’s not a good idea to try to grow your own Japanese maple bonsai from scratch.
Varieties of Japanese Maple for Bonsai
There are many types of Japanese maple trees that work well for bonsai. Here are some of the most common and popular ones used for bonsai:
- Acer palmatum ‘Arakawa’
- Acer palmatum ‘Seigen’
- Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’
- Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’
- Acer palmatum ‘Deshojo’
Requirements for Growing Japanese Maple Bonsai
Light
Japanese maple bonsai don’t need as much sunlight as some other bonsai trees, which makes them a good choice for gardens with some shade.
They should be kept out of strong midday sun and do best in spots that get morning and evening sunlight, with soft, filtered light during the rest of the day. In hot summer months, it’s important to give them shade so their leaves don’t get burned.
Soil
Japanese maple bonsai need soil that drains well, is rich in nutrients, and has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 to grow well.
It’s usually best to use bonsai soil mixes you can buy at the store since they’re made to support healthy bonsai growth.
Water
Like most bonsai trees, Japanese maples need plenty of water to stay healthy. In spring and summer, you might need to water them every day. In fall and winter, they won’t need as much.
Keep the soil evenly moist during the warmer months, but make sure it’s not too wet. Too much water can cause the roots to rot.
Temperature and Humidity
Japanese maple bonsai grow best outdoors and don’t do well inside.
Even though they come from Japan, they can grow in many different climates across North America, Europe, China, and Korea. They can handle some cold, but they shouldn’t be left in freezing weather for too long and need protection during harsh winters.
Fertilizer
Japanese maple bonsai need regular feeding to help them grow strong and healthy.
In spring and summer, feed them every two weeks with organic or liquid bonsai fertilizer. In the fall, use a fertilizer without nitrogen and feed less often.
After repotting, don’t fertilize for a few weeks. This gives the roots time to heal and grow without getting stressed.
Pruning
Regular pruning is important to keep a bonsai tree healthy and looking good. In spring and summer, you should pinch back new shoots often to shape the tree and help it grow more branches. You should also trim the leaves during the growing season to keep them small and in line with the tree’s shape.
Like most bonsai, any big cuts to main branches or stems should be done in late fall or winter.
Repotting
Japanese maple bonsai don’t need to be repotted often once they’re fully grown. After the tree is about 10 years old, you only need to repot it every three years. But younger trees should be repotted every year to refresh the soil and trim the roots. Bonsai pots help keep the tree small and give it the classic bonsai look.
The best time to repot is in early spring, just before the buds open. This gives the tree time to recover before it rests in fall and winter.
Japanese maple bonsai grow roots fast, so they need root pruning when repotted. You can trim up to one-third of the roots, starting from the outside and working in. Don’t cut the big main roots—these are important for the tree’s health.
Overwintering
If winter temperatures in your area drop to 25°F or lower, your Japanese maple bonsai needs protection from the cold and strong winds. Move it to a sheltered spot outside.
If it gets even colder—below 15°F—you’ll also need to keep the roots warm. You can do this by either burying the pot in garden soil for the winter or wrapping the pot with something like bubble wrap or burlap.
When the tree goes dormant in winter, it won’t need much water. Only water it when the soil feels dry.
Pests & Diseases
Japanese maple bonsai can sometimes get pests or diseases. The best way to protect the tree is to check it often for any signs of trouble. Watch out for common problems like aphids, verticillium wilt, and powdery mildew.
