bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Any other Californians have LOUSY maples this year?

Plastic pots tend to get hot because mostly they are of a dark color. You might try moving them into a partially shaded area where they get only morning sun. How long has it been since they were repotted? Maples generally don't do well unless they are repotted every three years or so, couple being root bound with a hot pot and you have trouble. It is also likely the soil has broken down causing some drainage problems.

Japanese Maples are also sticklers for consistancy. You can keep them on the dry side, or you can keep them on the wet side but you cannot switch back and forth.

You may already know all of this stuff, I'm just tossing out there the things I know that can cause the problems you are experiencing.

7-Jun-2005	#6
Vance Wood bonsaiTALK ArchMaster Join Date: Sep-2002 Location: Roseville Michigan Country: USA USDA Zone: 5/6 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 2,432	Plastic pots tend to get hot because mostly they are of a dark color. You might try moving them into a partially shaded area where they get only morning sun. How long has it been since they were repotted? Maples generally don't do well unless they are repotted every three years or so, couple being root bound with a hot pot and you have trouble. It is also likely the soil has broken down causing some drainage problems. Japanese Maples are also sticklers for consistancy. You can keep them on the dry side, or you can keep them on the wet side but you cannot switch back and forth. You may already know all of this stuff, I'm just tossing out there the things I know that can cause the problems you are experiencing.