Acer Palmatum Yamamomiji Bonsai 19 years old

Scientific Name: Acer Palmatum

Characterization: A 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 "Deshojo", for its red tone in the budding phase, which turns greenish in the summer and returns to red tones when the leaves fall.

Also, the varieties "Yatsubusa" (Palmatum Kashima or Kihoime) are highly valued for their small leaf size and short internodes, which make for very compact plants, usually produced in Hokidashi style (round canopy), 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 hardy, 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 lot of water runs 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.

Tips about watering, see the watering technical sheet.

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 be aware that water consumption increases greatly in spring when there are many new leaves.

If you have a tray under the Bonsai, never leave any water in it (to prevent the roots from rotting).

There is no benefit 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 by nightfall to avoid fungi.

Nutrition: From February to September/October, with a basic plan consisting 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 the rest of our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan, please refer to the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

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

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

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

Transplanting: Using Terra Bonsai Folhosas in February/March, before the start of budding.

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

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

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