Acer rubrum aka Red Maple
Taxonomy
Common names
Red Maple, Maple, Scarlet Maple, Swamp MapleHow to care for Red Maple
Difficulty
Caring for Red Maple is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Red Maple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Red 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 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 Red Maple will bloom beautifully in your home.
Lighting
Red Maple requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Maple is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Red Maple to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Red Maple is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Red Maple is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
Red Maple’s native range is Eastern N. America - Quebec to Florida, west to Texas, Minnesota and Ontario.
More info:
Wikipedia