A deciduous tree that is often grown for its autumn foliage, which is very brightly colored. In the art of bonsai, the maple has a special position, it is very popular and is considered a symbol of this art along with the mountain pine.
It has many species and varieties, among which there are small-leaved ones: rock maple (Acer Monspessulanum), field maple (Acer Campestre), box ash maple (Acer Negundo), sycamore maple (Acer Platanoides), and palmate maple (Acer Palmatum).
Soil:
Equal proportions of clay soil, sand and humus. Renew the soil each time you replant.
Lighting:
Light-loving plant. Requires light with shading from direct sunlight. In summer it can be placed outdoors.
Temperature:
Since maple is a deciduous tree, it needs a period of rest in winter, during which it is desirable to maintain the temperature within 5-7° C.
Watering:
In summer, water abundantly, in autumn, when the leaves begin to turn yellow, and in winter, moisten the soil as it dries out.
Top dressing:
In spring and summer, feed with organic fertilizers for bonsai once a month. In winter, the maple is not fertilized.
The color of autumn foliage depends on the correct feeding.
Formation:
When growing maple bonsai, all styles are used, but the most suitable are straight vertical, broom, slope and grove. Wire should be used very carefully and only on young branches (1-2 years). Pruning is done in winter, when the leaves fall, at this time you can correctly assess the shape and make adjustments. During the summer, pinch young shoots.
Purchasing a plant:
Maple is rarely found among amateurs and beginner bonsai growers. It is advisable to buy young trees in specialized stores.
Pests and diseases:
In spring, maple is susceptible to attack by woodworm beetles, which create passages under the bark of the plant, which spoils the appearance and harms the plant. Due to improper care, woodlice and aphids may appear on young shoots.
In rooms with high humidity, there is a possibility of occurrence powdery mildew, which can be detected by white spots on the leaves. If you notice red spots appearing on maple leaves, it may be a fungal disease called anthracnose.
