The Japanese maple is ideal as a solitary plant in the garden or in a bucket on the terrace. Promote growth with these care tips.
The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) originally comes from Japan, but has been at home in our gardens for many years and is becoming increasingly popular. It is so popular because it is a filigree tree that usually remains quite small and is therefore easy to care for. But not only that: it also inspires with its great leaves, which produce wonderful red tones, especially in autumn.
In order for the Japanese maple to grow and thrive in your garden, you have to pay attention to a few important things. For example, the right location is very important.
| Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 20 - 40 cm a year |
| Growth: | 500 - 700 cm |
| Growth: | 150 - 300 cm |
| Root system: | Shallow roots |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | permeable, loose, fresh to moist |
4 tips for a magnificent growth
❖ Tip 1 - Location
Sun or partial shade, the Japanese maple likes both. But what he can't stand at all is the blazing midday sun. It is therefore best to choose a sunny to semi-shady location. The location must also be sheltered from the wind as strong winds can tear the leaves.
Perfect would be a place near water. The reason for this is the high humidity, which is good for the Japanese maple. It also helps against leaf tip drought and prevents the leaf tips from burning and turning brown.
&rquo; Reading tip: Brown tips on Japanese maple - what does that mean?.
❖ Tip 2 - Floor
The Japanese maple prefers loose and permeable soils. Rainwater and irrigation water can drain off optimally here. The maple does not like waterlogging at all. If you have heavy soil in your garden, loosen it up a bit. To do this, simply mix some sand into the soil.
If you want to keep the Japanese maple in the bucket, then grab itbest to go back to special plant substrate for potted plants. In addition, create a drainage layer of potsherds or expanded clay in the bucket.
Extra Tip:
To increase humidity, simply spread some mulch over the surface of the soil.
❖ Tip 3 - water & fertilize
The Japanese maple loves it moist. The deciduous tree has shallow roots and can dry out quickly in hot summers. Older trees can survive a temporary water shortage, but younger ones cannot. Therefore, water the tree regularly and plentifully during the hot summer months. It's best in the cooler morning or evening hours, as the water doesn't immediately evaporate then.
If you want to fertilize your Japanese maple, then it is best to use a depot fertilizer that works all year round.
❖ Tip 4 - hibernate
As a rule, the Japanese maples offered on the market are winter-proof. However, if the winter becomes very severe, then you should protect the maple. For example, cover the floor with a layer of straw and put some brushwood on top. If the tree is very young, cover the crown with fleece.
Potted plants are best placed in a wind-protected place. Here, too, cover the crown with some fleece. In addition, you should place the bucket on a warming styrofoam plate.
Pruning fan maple -yes or no?
Japanese maple, like other maples, is sensitive to pruning. The ornamental wood begins to bleed intensively, which would lead to the death of the ornamental maple. Only diseased or dead branches may be cut off.
Diseases and pests on Japanese maple
Diseases or pests on Japanese maples usually develop as a result of care errors.
Mites and Lice
The right location is extremely important for lush and he althy growth. If this is chosen incorrectly, aphids, scale insects, spider and gall mites can spread to the Japanese maple.
Verticillium Wilt
If the Japanese maple is affected by Verticillium wilt, fungi have penetrated the wood and the ornamental tree is no longer supplied with sufficient nutrients. The disease can be recognized by dried leaves or dying shoots.