The japanese maple bonsai tree is one of the most incredible looking bonsai trees that are not only hardy and have stunning colors but are also easy to grow and maintain. Hence, this variety of bonsai are the most sought after trees that have the capability to render a visual delight and artistic appeal to the place they are kept.
In order to ensure the healthy growth of the tree along with its stunning looks the following factors have to be kept in mind while looking after the bonsai.
- It is very important to water the tree twice in a day most preferably during the morning and again in the evening. If the tree is kept in such a position where the leaves get exposed to sunlight, it is not advisable to water the leaves in such conditions.
- When the new shoots of the tree starts to appear it should be fed with feed that is low in nitrogen at regular intervals. Ideally the feed should be provided once every week.
- Even though the japanese maple bonsai tree like other bonsai varieties are miniature versions it is advisable to plant them in deep pots. This allows the roots to spread considerably and hence facilitates a healthy and lush growth.
- Only taking care about the size of the pot does not suffice . It is also extremely essential to ensure that the pot allows proper drainage. If there is insufficient drainage it affects the root of the tree and that can have a detrimental effect in the growth of the tree.
It is very important to constantly monitor the condition of the tree to ensure complete absence of any kinds of diseases and pests. If any such pest is found it should be eradicated immediately.
Pruning The Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree
The next important activity that needs to be given a lot of attention is to maintain the shape and size of the tree. The size of the tree is controlled by Pruning. Pruning is basically referred to as the practice where the stem or branch of the tree is cut at regular intervals so as to control their growth patterns. This is one of the most important aspects of a bonsai tree care that allows the tree to grow to a desired length and width and not overgrow itself and lose its aesthetic appeal. The bonsai needs to be pruned with the approach of spring which brings in growth of new buds. The following should be kept in mind while pruning a japanese maple bonsai tree.
- All the new shoots should be pruned once they attain a height of 3 – 6 centimeters, leaving behind 2 – 4 buds.Considering the fact that the maple bonsai tree has a very fast growth, cutting the new shoots actually encourage faster regrowth within a short span of weeks.
- While pruning it is very important to ensure variation in branch direction owing to which the buds should be removed in such a way that the tree grows into an interesting shape. Proper branch direction can actually make the tree look like a work of art.
- Some species of maples like the Japanese and Trident maples have their new shoots grow from the base of the branches. These should be removed and not allowed to grow.
- The Trident and Amur Maples show a phenomenal response to branch and trunk pruning and hence it should be practiced at the beginning of the spring season.
- The maples also respond well to leaf reduction. This is a process where once in every 2-3 years the leaves are completely removed from the tree leaving the stems completely barren.This stimulates the buds at the stem and favors growth of fresh and colorful leaves and the tree attains a beautiful look during autumn.
How to Properly Wire the Bonsai
Another significant step that bonsai enthusiasts give a lot of attention to is wiring the tree. This is a method where the branches of the tree are wired in order to give them different types of impressive shapes. This process is begun when the tree is very young and it is continued till the tree starts growing naturally following the shape and direction of the wired branches.
It is owing to this procedure that one literally controls the shape in which the tree grows and hence bonsai is also known as a living art form.While wiring the plant it has to be kept in mind that the tree should never be wired before the new bud bursts out otherwise the shoots will lack strength and become fragile. Also it is important to note that the shoots should be wired in early part of mid spring and the wires should be removed before the winter season.
Wintering the Bonsai Tree
Finally special care and attention also has to be given to the plant during the winter season. It is extremely important to allow the bonsai to be exposed to the winter conditions and this promotes the growth of strong leaves during the growing season. But it has to be ensured that the tree is actually in good health before getting them exposed to the cold temperature. This process is also known as ” wintering” of the bonsai tree. There are also some species of the maple bonsai like the Amur maples which grow best during winter and extremely vibrant hued leaves.
Hence, these are the facts that need to be kept in mind while taking care of the japanese maple bonsai tree . If these are carefully followed the tree is sure to respond well and grow to its full glory and vitality making it extremely attractive to look at.