Acer buergerianum aka Trident Maple

Taxonomy

Acer buergerianum, commonly known as trident maple, is a species of maple that is native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan. This upright deciduous tree typically grows to a height of 8-10m and features triangular, pointed leaves with three lobes. The leaves start off bronzy when young, then mature to a bright dark green in summer, and finally turn orange-yellow to red in autumn. In spring, the tree produces upright pale yellow flowers in racemes, which are followed by brownish winged fruits in autumn. It belongs to the family Sapindaceae and is characterized by its opposing, hard, glossy leaves that are dark green above and paler below. The flowers are small, yellow-green, and appear in hanging panicles, while the fruit is a double lionfish with two seeds, each having a wing. Acer buergerianum is widely used as an ornamental plant in temperate regions and has been introduced to Japan, Europe, and North America. It is a popular choice for bonsai construction and is known to respond well to leaf reduction and pruning techniques.

Common names

Trident Maple, Three Toothed Maple, Taiwan Trident Maple

How to care for Trident Maple

Difficulty

Trident Maple requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Trident Maple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Trident Maple is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Trident Maple prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Trident Maple is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.


More info:
Wikipedia