How to care for a potted Japanese maple?

Acer palmatum 'Koto no Ito' specimen

El japanese maple it is a wonder. Originally from East Asia, it has an incredible bearing and elegance. Its ornamental value is so high that it is easy for anyone to fall in love, almost literally, with this plant. There are many varieties and cultivars, and from time to time new ones emerge, something that simply drives us crazy 😉.

Have you considered having a copy? If so, then I will explain How to Care for a Potted Japanese Maple.

What does Japanese maple need?

Potted Japanese Maples

Before buying one, it is very important that you consider the following:

  • It is a tree or shrub that needs a temperate climate. In order to survive and grow properly it is essential that there are four well differentiated seasons, and that in winter the temperature drops at some point below 0º. In hot or tropical climates they do not thrive, even in the Mediterranean it has a hard time due to the intense heat. Its temperature range, let's say, comfortable, is between 30ºC maximum and -15ºC minimum.
  • It is an acidophilic plant. Both the soil and the irrigation water must have a low pH, between 4 and 6. In limestone soils, their leaves immediately show signs of iron chlorosis (lack of iron).

How do you take care of yourself?

If we have a suitable climate, or if we live for example in an area where the minimum temperature drops below 0ºC (even if it is little), we recommend providing the following care:

  • Location: in semi-shadow. The sun burns its leaves.
  • Substratum: It is highly advisable to use porous substrates, as these will allow the roots to be properly aerated and to absorb the water and the nutrients dissolved in it with ease even on the hottest days. A good mix is ​​the following: 70% akadama + 30% kiryuzuna. In the case that the climate is mild-cold, we can use a substrate for acidophilic plants without problems.
  • Irrigation: frequent in summer, somewhat scarcer the rest of the year. In general, you have to water every 2-3 days in the hottest months, and every 4-5 days the rest of the year. You must always use rainwater, or acidified (diluting the liquid of half a lemon in a liter of water) if the one we have is very hard.
  • Transplant: every two years, in spring.
  • Subscriber: During the entire growing season, that is, in spring and summer, we must pay it with specific fertilizers for acidophilic plants (azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas) that we will find for sale in the nurseries, following the instructions specified on the packaging.
  • Pruning: We must remove diseased and weak branches and those that have grown excessively at the end of winter, before their leaves sprout.
Acer palmatum in flowerpot

Image - Lowes.com

I hope these tips help you to enjoy your Japanese maple.


2 comments, leave yours

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  1.   light said

    My Japanese Maple dried leaves look like wrinkled, but they have color as I can save it. thanks for your help

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello, Luz.

      Japanese maple leaves 'wrinkle' when the sun hits them directly, and when the wind is warm and / or marine.
      Therefore, it is important to have it in shade (not total), and in a place a little sheltered from the wind. In addition, it must be watered with water without lime, and have it in substrates for acidic plants.

      Greetings.