Technical Sheet - Acer Buergerianum (Trident Maple)

Common Name: Trident Maple

Scientific Name: Acer Buergerianum

Description: Originating from China and Korea, it belongs to the Aceraceae family.

A small-leaved, deciduous tree with three lobes (trident), highly appreciated for its autumn coloration and differences in bark tone (the bark peels in scales).

Being very resilient, it is classic to produce it in the "Sekijojo" style (clinging to the rock), although it adapts well to many other styles.

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 frosts. It should also be slightly protected during the peak of summer to prevent the leaf tips from burning too much.

Watering: Let the soil dry well between waterings (to confirm if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers); during budding it has a high water consumption.

Water the soil abundantly until plenty of water runs out of the drainage holes, to moisten the soil evenly, always from above and never by immersion, using a watering can with fine holes.

For watering tips, see the watering technical sheet.

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 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 throughout the year (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, see the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

Pruning: Pruning is done above a leaf; it is common to let 4 to 5 leaves grow and cut at the first or second.

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

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

Repotting: With Broadleaf Bonsai Soil in February/March, before the beginning of budding.

Details about repotting, post-repotting care, and specific fortifiers you can use can be found in the repotting technical sheet.

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

For wiring instructions, see the wiring technical sheet.