Acer Palmatum Kiohime 21-year-old 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 different colors and leaf sizes. The most well-known and appreciated is the "Deshojo," for its red tone at sprouting, which turns greenish in summer and then returns to red tones when the leaf falls.

The varieties "Yatsubusa" (Palmatum Kashima or Kihoime) are also highly appreciated for their small leaf size and short internodes, which make the plants quite compact. They are usually produced in Hokidashi style (round crown) because they do not have apical dominance, thus their energy remains 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 for leaves to show sunburn around mid-summer, so they should be protected from the strong midday sun during almost the entire summer season.

Watering: Water the soil abundantly until a good amount of water flows out of the drainage holes, to moisten the soil evenly, always from above never by immersion, using a watering can with fine nozzles.

For watering tips, see the watering technical sheet.

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

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 you fertilize 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 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 lengthen in some species. Usually, growth control is needed at the start of sprouting with "Metsumi".

In summer, if the plants are healthy, they can be defoliated to produce a new leaf sprout that will be smaller and have a better autumn coloration.

For pruning tips, see the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.

Repotting: Using Leafy Bonsai Soil in February/March, before sprouting begins.

Details on repotting, post-repotting care, and specific fortifiers you can use are available in the repotting technical sheet.

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

Guidelines on wiring can be found in the wiring technical sheet.