30-year-old Acer Palmatum Deshojo Bonsai

Scientific Name: Acer Palmatum

Characterization: Member of the Aceraceae family, it originates from Japan.

A 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 during budding, 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 their small leaf size and short internodes, which make the plants quite compact. They are usually produced in the Hokidashi style (round crown), as they do not have apical dominance, and 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 very strong midday sun, practically throughout the entire summer season.

Watering: Water the soil abundantly until a lot of water comes out of the drainage holes, in order to evenly moisten the soil, always from above, never by immersion, using a watering can with fine holes.

For watering tips, consult the watering technical sheet.

Allow the surface layer of the soil to dry slightly between each watering (to check if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers), but be careful because water consumption increases greatly in spring when there is a lot of new leaf growth.

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 it on days when you fertilize and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but make sure the leaves dry before night to prevent 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, consult the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

Pruning: The leaves tend to grow and the internodes lengthen in some species. Usually, growth needs to be controlled at the beginning 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.

Transplanting: With Leafy Bonsai Soil in February/March, before budding starts.

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

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

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