Species from the Aceraceae family, originating from Japan.
It is a deciduous tree, with five lobes (palmatum), perhaps the most well-known and appreciated deciduous tree in Bonsai.
The Kiyohime variety sprouts in yellow/orange tones with the leaf edge in purple, appreciated for the reduced leaf size and great compacting ability due to short internodes.
Acer Palmatum Kiyohime Bonsai is an outdoor plant.
Scientific Name: Acer Palmatum
Characteristics: 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 becomes greenish in the summer and returns again to red tones when the leaf falls.
Also, the "Yatsubusa" varieties (Palmatum Kashima or Kihoime) are highly valued for their small leaf size and short internodes, which make very compact plants, usually produced in the Hokidashi style (round crown), as they do not have apical dominance, so 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 resilient, but it is common in mid-summer for the leaves to show sunburn, so they should be protected from the very strong midday sun throughout almost the entire summer season.
Watering: Water the soil abundantly until plenty of water comes out of the drainage holes to evenly moisten the soil, always from above and never by immersion, using a watering can with fine nozzles.
For tips on watering, please consult the watering technical sheet.
Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between each watering (to confirm if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers), but be aware that water consumption increases greatly when there are many new leaves in spring.
If you have a tray under the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to prevent root rot).
There is no benefit to misting the leaves; only do so on days when fertilizing and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry by night to avoid fungi.
Nutrition: From February to September/October, follow a base plan composed of a complete fertilizer (Fertil Bonsai Humic, or Green & Gold Bonsai 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 to lengthen in some species. Usually, growth must be controlled at the start of budding with "Metsumi".
In summer, if healthy, they can be defoliated to produce a new leaf bud, which besides being smaller, will have better autumn coloration.
For pruning tips, please consult the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.
Transplanting: Using Terra Bonsai Folhosas in February/March, before budding begins.
Details about transplanting, post-transplant care, and specific fortifiers you can use are available in the transplanting technical sheet.
Wiring: Usually at the end of winter before budding, or in summer with total defoliation.
For wiring instructions, please consult the wiring technical sheet.
