Acer Palmatum Deshojo Bonsai 12 years old

Scientific Name: Acer Palmatum

Characterization: Member of the Aceraceae family, originating 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 leaves of various colors and sizes. The most well-known and appreciated is the "Deshojo," for its red tone at budding, which becomes greenish in summer and returns to red tones when the leaves fall.

Also, the "Yatsubusa" varieties (Palmatum Kashima or Kihoime) are highly appreciated for their small leaf size and short internodes, which make the plants quite compact. They are usually produced in the Hokidashi style (round crown) because 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 resistant, but it is common for the leaves to appear sunburned in mid-summer, so they should be protected from the strong midday sun during almost the entire summer season.

Watering: Water the soil abundantly until plenty of water drains 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.

Allow the top 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 significantly 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 advantage to misting the leaves; only do this on days when fertilizing and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry before nightfall to avoid fungi.

Nutrition: From February to September/October, follow a base 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 others from our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan, see the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

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

In summer, as long as they are healthy, they can be defoliated to produce new leaf growth, 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 at the end of winter before budding, or in summer with total defoliation.

Instructions about wiring are available in the wiring technical sheet.