Red Maple, I think.

power5005k

I just received a red maple as a gift. I was wondering if anyone could tell me specific conditions that this plant thrives in. I got 2 bonsai books and it was more general and not too specific on this type. Not entirely sure what to do with it. I'm a bit overwhelmed. I'm thinking of just letting it grow like crazy and trim off green leaves as the fire red leaves mature. Thank you for any info you can give to me.

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subnet_rx

I would do a google search for "red maple bonsai" and you should find several pages that tell you exactly the conditions that this tree likes.

Nicsai

Luminous green stalks (trunks) and purple leaves...
(I'm afraid I don't like it!)

power5005k

leaves are purple cuz they got scorched in the sun. Didnt think the patio was that hot. I'm trying to revive them in the shade.


What to do about green stalks tho?

weeble

Are you sure its a 'red maple' and not a red japanese maple? A better picture of a good leaf might help us tell you, but to me it looks more like a red Acer palmatum than an Acer rubrum.

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Asus101

From looking at the oldest part of the tree the green parts are young growth. The bottom part of the trunk has bark and is grey. I think that as the rest of the tree grows more bark as it ages the less green area's there will be.

I have always like these forms of maples. The unusual colours are fantasic and should not be written off for this reason.

You have some work ahead of you, but by following the style guidlines while keeping the tree alive and healthy, you should have a nice tree in a few years.

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kcpoole

Do a google for Atropurpureum+ Bonsai, or Deshojo+ Bonsai

These maples are simply Stunning when developed into mature specimins. The colours in them are gorgeous.

Ken

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kcpoole

I would think the leaves are purple because all the new growth will be that colour. They will mature and turn a deep green.

The new foliage colour and contrasting trunks are what makes these maples the wonderful specimins they are.

If this one has been scalded then the leaves will dry out brown off. If that happens then remove them and let them be replaced.
I notice on the left hand side there are some drooping leaves. This is Classic sign of being too thirsty.

Enjoy it
Ken

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power5005k

thanks. I was a bit worried that i got a bad one =-/

i took some more pics of it.