7-Year-Old Acer Palmatum SPP Bonsai

Scientific Name: Acer Palmatum

Characterization: Member of the Aceraceae family, it originates from Japan.

Deciduous tree, with five lobes (palmatum), it is perhaps the most well-known and appreciated deciduous tree in Bonsai.

There are many varieties used for Bonsai, with very different leaf colors and sizes. The most well-known and appreciated is the "Deshojo," for its red tone in the budding, which becomes greenish in summer and returns to red tones when the leaf falls.

Also, the varieties "Yatsubusa" (Palmatum Kashima or Kihoime) are highly valued for the small size of their leaves and short internodes, which make very compact plants, usually produced in Hokidashi style (round crown), as they do not have apical dominance, and thus their energy is more balanced.

Location: Outdoors, where it receives 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day (ideally in the morning or late afternoon), protected from strong winds and frost.

It is very resistant, but it is common in mid-summer for the leaves to appear sunburned, so they should be protected from the strong midday sun throughout almost the entire summer season.

Watering: Water the soil abundantly until a good amount of water drains out of the drainage holes, in order to moisten the soil evenly, always from above, never by immersion, using a watering can with fine nozzles THERE ARE SPECIFIC ONES FOR BONSAI.

Let the surface layer of the soil dry slightly between each watering (to check if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers), but pay attention as water consumption greatly increases in spring when there is a lot of new foliage.

If you have a tray under the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to avoid root rot).

There is no advantage in misting the leaves; only do so on days when you fertilize and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry before nightfall to prevent fungi.

Nutrition: From February to September/October, with a basic plan composed of a complete fertilizer (FERTIL BONSAI Humic, or GREEN & GOLD Organic or BIOGOLD), and a biostimulant (BIO BONSAI Activ), which can also be combined with other products from our range.

Detailed information on how to combine these products with others from our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan, please consult the COMPLETE NUTRITION PLAN TECHNICAL SHEET.

Pruning: The leaf tends to grow and the internodes lengthen in some species. Usually, growth must be controlled at the beginning of budding with "Metsumi".

In summer, as long as they are healthy, they can be defoliated to produce a new leaf budding, which besides being smaller, will have better autumn coloration.

For pruning tips, consult the PRUNING AND DEFOLIATION TECHNICAL SHEET.

Transplanting: With BONSIA SOIL Deciduous in February/March, before budding begins.

Details about transplanting, post-transplant care, and specific fortifiers you can use can be found in the TRANSPLANTING TECHNICAL SHEET.

Wiring: Usually at the end of winter before budding, or in summer with total defoliation.

Instructions about wiring can be found in the WIRING TECHNICAL SHEET.