Acer monspessulanum aka Montpellier Maple
Taxonomy
Acer monspessulanum, commonly known as the Montpellier maple, is a medium-sized deciduous tree or densely branched shrub. This species of maple is native to the Mediterranean region, ranging from Morocco and Portugal in the west, to Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel in the east. It can also be found in the Jura Mountains in France and the Eifel in Germany. The Montpellier maple is easily distinguished from similar maples by its small three-lobed leaves, which are glossy dark green and sometimes a bit leathery. The leaves fall very late in autumn, typically in November. In spring, the tree produces pendulous, yellow to white corymbs that are 2-3 cm long.
As a houseplant, the Montpellier maple is super rare but easy to grow. It requires regular watering to thrive and does best in long-lasting, direct light, less than 1 foot from a window. This plant prefers soil that retains moisture well and shouldn't need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. The Acer genus to which it belongs is native to Northern Africa, Western Asia, and Europe.
Common names
Montpellier Maple, Montpellier Maple TreeHow to care for Montpellier Maple
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Montpellier Maple due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Montpellier Maple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier Maple will bloom beautifully in your home.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Montpellier 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.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Montpellier Maple to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
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 Montpellier 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
More Species in Acer Genus
Acer circinatum Vine Maple
Acer argutum
Acer sempervirens Cretan Maple
Acer opalus Italian Maple
Acer davidii Father David's Maple
Acer crataegifolium Hawthorn Maple
Acer acuminatum
Acer capillipes Japanese Striped Maple
Acer saccharum Sugar Maple
