Maple Bonsai Trees

 "How To Care For Maple Bonsai Trees..."

All of the various sub- species of maple make excellent bonsai trees. Maples are in high demand by bonsai enthusiasts in spite of the fact that they are  more difficult to car for than other bonsai.

Their leafy appearance is particularly attractive in the fall when the leaves turn from green to red and yellow.

Although some varieties of maple work well as indoor plants, bonsai trees are mostly outdoor plants.  There are various opinions about the amount of sunlight they require. However, partial sun/ partial shade is the safest option for most types. 

Maples generally survive winter well in the wild, but they require some special care in bonsai form. They need less water in the winter than in the other seasons. Also, make sure the roots don't get any frost.

Maple Needs Waters

Water the trees copiously in the summer as long as there is good drainage. However, maples like moist soil and can benefit from a little extra moisture. This is especially true for the flowering varieties. 

Although maples can adapt well to various styles, their leafy nature and somewhat brittle branches make the shakan (upright) style the best choice.

They can also be made into other styles such as the han-kengai (semi-cascade), but you must take extreme care to avid splitting the trunk and branches.

Han-kengai can be achieved without wiring by a cord attached to a stake in order to curve the trunk.

Han-Kengai

Also, the han-kengai style doesn't usually occur in nature. Thus, it is uncommon because bonsai art attempts to emulate nature on a small scale. 

Feed the tree once a month with slow-release fertilizer from spring to autumn. . Taper off during hot summer months, though. Organic fertilizers work well. However, Peter's 20-20-20 is also a good option.

Wait a few weeks after re-potting before feeding the trees.

Root systems grow to support the ample branches and leaves that maples are capable of producing.  Pruning, therefore, should be taken as a concerted project.

Prune the roots more aggressively if you want fewer branches an leaves. 

Fall and winter are the best seasons for pruning branches. The trees have few, if any, leaves during these seasons. Thus, the working area is more visible, and mishaps are easier to avoid.

Seal the wound with pruning paste after a branch is removed to aid the healing process.

Minimalist

Pinch back new growth during the active growing season to keep foliage to a moderate level. A somewhat minimalist appearance is the goal for most bonsai, and a maple with full leaves looks like an average houseplant. 

Wiring is uncommon with maples for various reasons. First of all, the branches are somewhat brittle. They also scar very easily.

Leaf and branch pruning can  give maples a pleasing shape without the extra effort and hazards  of wiring.

As with most bonsai, maples should be re-potted every two years. A mixture of 60% soil, 20% coarse sand, and 20% peat provides the correct drainage environment.

For best results, re-plant in early spring, before the buds have started.... and be sure you have created the proper bonsai soil. 

 
If I can do it, you can do it!
Tina Timms, Bonsai Babe

Maple Bonsai Trees