Technical Sheet - Acer Palmatum

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 various leaf colors and sizes. The most well-known and appreciated is the "Deshojo," for its red tone when budding, which turns greenish in summer and returns to red hues at leaf fall.

The "Yatsubusa" varieties (Palmatum Kashima or Kihoime) are also highly valued for their small leaf size and short internodes, creating very compact plants. They are usually produced in the Hokidashi style (round crown) because they lack apical dominance, which balances their energy more evenly.

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 for the leaves to appear sunburned in mid-summer, so they should be protected from the strong midday sun practically throughout the summer season.

Watering: Water the soil thoroughly until plenty of water drains from the drainage holes, ensuring the soil is evenly moistened, always from above and never by immersion, using a watering can with fine holes.

For tips on watering, consult the watering technical sheet.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings (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 root rot).

There is no advantage to misting the leaves; only do so on days when you fertilize and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but make sure the leaves are 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 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 others from our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan,  consult the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

Pruning: The leaf tends to grow and the internodes become long in some species. Usually, we need to control growth at the start of budding with "Metsumi".

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, consult the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.

Repotting: With Leafy Bonsai Soil in February/March, before budding begins.

For details about repotting, post-repotting care, and specific fortifiers you can use, consult the repotting technical sheet.

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

For wiring instructions,  consult the wiring technical sheet.