Acer Palmatum SPP Bonsai of 35 years

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 the most diverse colors and leaf sizes. The best known and appreciated is the "Deshojo," for its red tone in the budding, which turns greenish in summer and returns to red tones when the leaf falls.

Also, the "Yatsubusa" varieties (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 lack apical dominance, 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 hardy, but it is common in mid-summer for the leaves to show sunburn, so they should be protected from the strong midday sun, practically throughout the summer season.

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

Allow the surface layer of the soil to dry slightly between each watering (to check if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers), but be careful as water consumption increases significantly in spring when there is much new leaf growth.

If there is a tray under the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to prevent root rot).

There is no benefit in misting the leaves; only do so on days when fertilizing and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but make sure the leaves dry by night to avoid 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, consult the TECHNICAL SHEET COMPLETE NUTRITION PLAN.

Pruning: Leaves tend to grow and internodes to elongate in some species. Usually, growth must be controlled at the beginning of budding with "Metsumi".

In summer, if healthy, they can be defoliated to produce new leaf growth, which besides being smaller, will have better autumn coloration.

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

Transplanting: With BONSAI 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 TECHNICAL SHEET TRANSPLANTING.

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

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