Acer palmatum aka Japanese Maple

Taxonomy

Acer palmatum, also known as Japanese maple, palmate maple, or smooth Japanese maple, is a species of woody plant native to Japan, Korea, China, eastern Mongolia, and southeast Russia. It is a small, rounded, bushy tree that grows slowly to about 5m. The leaves have seven long, pointed lobes and open as lime green in spring, maturing to bright green, and then turning orange and red in autumn. Inconspicuous hanging clusters of small, green flowers are followed by red-flushed, winged seeds. The tree has green bark that adds winter color. Acer palmatum is a deciduous shrub or small tree, often reaching heights of 6 to 10 m, and rarely 16 meters. It is commonly grown as an understory plant in shady woodlands. The canopy of Acer palmatum often takes on a dome-like form, especially when mature. The tree displays considerable genetic variation, with seedlings from the same parent tree showing differences in leaf size, shape, and color. It can vary in overall form from upright to weeping. Acer palmatum has been cultivated in Japan for centuries and has been grown in temperate areas worldwide since the 1800s.

Common names

Japanese Maple, Weeping Red Japanese Lace Leaf Maple, Smooth Japanese Maple

How to care for Japanese Maple

Difficulty

Japanese Maple presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Japanese 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 Japanese 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

Japanese Maple thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Smooth Japanese Maple.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Japanese Maple to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

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 Japanese 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.

Region of origin

Japanese Maple’s native range is E. Asia - Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia