Acer griseum aka Paperbark Maple

Taxonomy

Acer griseum, also known as the paperbark maple or blood-bark maple, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to central China. It can reach up to 6-9m tall and has a trunk that can grow up to 70cm in circumference. The bark is smooth, shiny orange-red, and peels in thin, papery layers, while the leaves are compound with three leaflets that are dark green above and bright glaucous blue-green beneath. In spring, the yellow androdioecious flowers are produced in small pendent corymbs, followed by paired samaras with two winged seeds. Acer griseum was introduced to cultivation in Europe in 1901 and is widely grown as an ornamental plant in temperate regions. It is admired for its decorative exfoliating bark, which stays attached to the branches until worn away, and spectacular autumn foliage that can include red, orange, and pink tones. The plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. In 2015, the North America-China Plant Exploration Consortium conducted an expedition specifically targeting Acer griseum for seed collection to increase the genetic diversity of plants in cultivation. Propagation of Acer griseum can be difficult as seeds have the same parthenocarpic tendencies as those of Acer maximowiczianum. Acer griseum is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and soil that is good at retaining moisture. Repotting each time it doubles in size can eliminate the need for added fertilizers. As a member of the Acer genus, Acer griseum is an excellent addition to any plant collection.

Common names

Paperbark Maple, Chinese Paperbark Maple, Blood Maple

How to care for Paperbark Maple

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Paperbark Maple due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

Paperbark Maple requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Blood Maple, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Paperbark Maple will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Paperbark 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

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Paperbark Maple is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia