Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum Bonsai of 23 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 at 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 their small leaf size and short internodes, which make quite compact plants, usually produced in Hokidashi style (round crown), as they do not have 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 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 nearly the entire summer season.

Watering: Water the soil abundantly until a lot 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 holes.

Tips about watering, see the watering technical sheet watering.

Let the top layer of 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 increases a lot in spring when there is a lot of new leaf growth.

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 it on days when you fertilize and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry before 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 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, see the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

Pruning: The leaf tends to grow and the internodes to become long 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 growth, which besides being smaller, will have better autumn coloration.

Tips about pruning, see the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.

Transplanting: With Foliar Bonsai Soil in February/March, before budding begins.

Details about transplanting, post-transplant care, and specific fortifiers you can use, see the transplanting technical sheet.

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

Instructions about wiring, see the wiring technical sheet.