Vol#27 How to Grow Maple Bonsai
Maple Bonsai
Recently, I’ve heard that maple bonsai have been gaining popularity, so I’d like to share the charm of maples and some key considerations for growing them.
In the world of bonsai, a tree with leaves that are divided into five or more distinct lobes, with deep indentations, is referred to as a "momiji" (maple).
Maples are particularly appealing as they allow you to experience the beauty of all four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. They also provide the opportunity for enjoyable maintenance tasks, such as pinching new buds and trimming leaves. Relatively hardy, maples are an excellent choice for beginners starting with bonsai.
However, I often hear stories where, after purchasing a well-shaped maple with vibrant autumn colors, the tree becomes dull the following year, and the fall foliage isn’t as striking. This happens because maples are strong growers, and once the season arrives, they produce vigorous branches that grow rapidly. Additionally, leaves can suffer from scorching due to water shortage, intense sunlight, or strong winds.
Maples thrive with sunlight from sunrise until around noon, but they are sensitive to the harsh afternoon sun, so it's important to place them carefully.
Pruning can also be a challenge for beginners, as you may wonder when and how to trim. At the beginning, don’t worry too much—simply trim the branches that extend beyond the tree’s outline to maintain its shape.
Recently, a variety of maple species have become widely available. Among them, the "Iroha-momiji" and "Yama-momiji" varieties are especially well-known.
In Japan, maples are often found in scenic places like valleys, temples, and shrines, where you can admire trees with beautiful patterned trunks or cascading branches. These natural shapes can be wonderful sources of inspiration for shaping your bonsai.
It can be enjoyable to look to nature for guidance when shaping your tree.
Until next time !
ReBonsai Yusuke Ogawa
Learn more about bonsai with these articles:
Vol#24 Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Bonsai Growth