Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum Bonsai 9 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 the most diverse leaf colors and sizes. The best known and appreciated is the "Deshojo," for its red tone in the bud, which turns greenish in the summer and returns to red tones when the leaf falls.

Also, the "Yatsubusa" varieties (Palmatum Kashima or Kihoime) are highly valued for the small size of their leaves and short internodes, which make very 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 gets 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 very strong midday sun, practically throughout the 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 holes.

Tips about watering, consult the watering technical sheet watering.

Let the top layer of soil dry slightly between each watering (to confirm if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers), but be careful as water consumption increases significantly in spring when there is a lot of new foliage.

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 spraying 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, 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, consult 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, if they are healthy, they can be defoliated to produce new leaf growth, which besides being smaller, will have better autumn coloration.

Tips on pruning, consult the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.

Transplant: With Terra Bonsai Folhosas in February/March, before budding begins.

Details about transplanting, post-transplant care, and specific strengthening products you can use, consult the transplant technical sheet.

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

Instructions on wiring, consult the wiring technical sheet.