Maple Bonsai
Acer spp. (various species)
Bonsai Trees Difficulty: Moderate
📖 About this plant
A diverse group of deciduous bonsai trees including Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), field maple (Acer campestre), and others. Maples are treasured for their delicate foliage, elegant branching, and spectacular autumn color displays. Their ability to produce fine branching through careful pruning and their reliable seasonal color changes make them among the most rewarding bonsai subjects.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
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Light
Partial shade to morning sun (4-6 hrs)
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Water
Every 1-2 days
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Humidity
Moderate to high (50-70%)
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Temperature
5-28°C
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Soil
Well-draining slightly acidic bonsai soil with akadama component; pH 5.5-6.5
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Fertilizer
Balanced low-nitrogen fertilizer every 2 weeks in spring and early summer; stop by August for winter hardening
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Various — Acer species are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere (Asia, Europe, North Africa, North America)
- 📏 Max height
- 15-30 cm (bonsai form)
- 📐 Spread
- 15-30 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Spring
- 🎨 Bloom color
- Red, Yellow
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Green, Red, Orange
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic to humans and pets
- 🌱 Propagation
- Seed with cold stratification; softwood cuttings in spring; air layering; grafting for named cultivars
🛡️ Health & Safety
🐾 Pet safe
✅ Non-toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Common issues
- Leaf scorch from wind and dry conditions, Verticillium wilt disease, Aphids and caterpillars in spring, Tar spot fungal disease on leaves, Winter branch dieback if not protected
💡 Care tips
- Trident and Japanese Maples are excellent bonsai subjects,Delicate leaves create stunning autumn color displays,Protect from hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch,Wiring in late summer produces the best branch movement
🪴 Add to My Plants
One click — added instantly. Watering every 2 days, fertilizing every 14 days.
