Japanese Red Maple Bonsai
Japanese Red Maple Bonsai
(Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum in Botanical terms) is one of
the most beautiful and widely grown Bonsai. It tends to
remain in demand all year round on account of its special
qualities. The plant is a beautiful specimen of the most awe
inspiring trees in nature, and is available in number of
varieties with each variety differing from all others in
every aspect.
Apart from having good looks, the Japanese Red Maple is a
strong survivor and can bear both hot and cold atmospheric
situations. It likes the sun, although some semi-shade is
good for its growth. It has one of the most beautiful
serrated star shaped leaves with large leafy appearances
that shine in red or green color with changing seasons.
Red maple is mostly termed as ‘starter seedling tree’ just
because one can’t afford a mature tree (thanks to its high
price) and so mostly, it is grown through seedlings. This
bonsai is liked for its flora throughout the growing season,
including fall foliage season. Leaves of red maple tend to
shade to a duller red during late spring, while attaining a
rich green colour during summer and turning bright red in
fall. Due to its unique leaf cycle the red maple has gained
much-admiration from Bonsai lovers.
Japanese red maple bonsai is basically a deciduous bush or
small tree, which grows up to height of 6-12 inches, while
leaves are 4-12 mm long and wide, lobed with five, seven or
nine intensely pointed lobes. The plant delivers flowers
(red or purple sepals along with whitish petals) and fruits.
Growing a red maple is simple and it makes a wonderful
informal upright bonsai. A maple stem with a diameter
measuring four or more inches is best suited. It helps the
bonsai attain proper growth within the stipulated time and
also in applying various styles. One can also make 2 tree
and 3 tree plantings either through seeds or through plant
root to have a big bonsai appearance, all at minimal cost.
Little Care is what a brawny tree red maple needs to survive
in all seasons. In winter one should give less water to the
plant and protect it from dipping temperatures as this can
damage the plant. During cool climates, if the red maple is
placed in a sheltered place, it will prevent the roots from
getting frozen even if there is any sudden drop in
temperature.
During summer months plenty of water should be given to the
plant, but there should also be proper facility for draining
off the excess water. Some extra moisture though isn't
adverse for the red maple as such species prefer moist soils
for growth. Cutting and pruning of dead leaves and branches
is needed to make the plant healthy and live for a longer
time.
The Japanese Red Maple Bonsai has good growth rate and so
regular shaping is a good option to keep your plant in a
specific small size at all times. Shaping can be done either
by limiting the plant’s growth in a pot, crowning or
pruning. Pot confinement is always a better option as it is
easy and retards unwanted growth of the red bonsai.
Crowning is another technique of preserving the size of the
tree. In this technique, special cutting is done of the
branches and trunk of the bonsai to confine its growth. It
also gives the plant a specific shape and size, thereby
adding to its beauty. Wrapping the branches and trunks of
the tree with coils or wires is another method that also
retards the growth of particular parts of the plant.
Style is deeply associated with the Japanese Red Maple
Bonsai as the plant adapts very well to numerous styles
including Shakan and Han-Kengai. Shakan style is most
preferred in red maple as it provides the bonsai with leafy
foliage and fragile branches. In the Han-Kengai plant, the
trunk is turned and molded with the help of string or rod to
retard growth and give is a spherical design.
If you're interested in
more bonsai articles, click here -
Bonsai Articles.
Enjoy!
I wish you all the best on your
bonsai adventure!
Best wishes,
Thomas T :)
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