Japanese Maple tips needed

L5171180

Hi there,

Anyone has the care tips for the Japanese Maple? Would it be able to live happily to live in San Diego given that the heat zone here is about 9-10.

Thanks for the advice.

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Aaron_K

Hi L (you need to get an easier username or something lol)

In zone 9/10 you will most likely have difficulties with Acer Palmatum. Sun tolerance does vary from one cultivar from another. I'm in Zone 8/9 and my Kiyohime, Deshojo's and Orange Dream have to be kept out of direct sunlight, otherwise they scorch. My Sango Kaku on the otherhand sat out all summer in direct sunlight without batting an eyelid.

Sunlight is not the only factor you will contend with, as hot dry winds do a fair amount of damage too. Japanese maples require a fast draining soil (infact virtually all bonsai should have). As such, watering might be an issue, as during the height of summer, you may need to water 2 or 3 times a day.

There are obviously ways to combat these problems, but it definitely will be more challenging. I'd recommend either erecting a small enclosure for it and using 50% shade screen, or growing them completely out of direct sunlight as I do. You might also have to look into putting the tree into cold storage come Winter to induce dormancy.

My advice would be to experiment with inexpensive stock for a year rather than buying an expensive bonsai and it dying. Have a look in local nurseries and the like, to see if they carry Japanese maple stock. They should be able to offer you exact advice as it will be tailored to your location.

If it does prove to be too inhospitable for Acer P's, you might want to consider Trident maples, as they are more sun and drought tolerant than their cousins.

All the best,

Aaron

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sauce

Aarons advice is right on! I'm in Zone 9 in Fl. and I acquired several J.maple saplings/whips last spring just to see how they would do here. Over the summer they have held their own but have not IMO really thrived. They are receiving 3-4 hrs of sun and the leaves are a little bit parched looking but other than that they seem to be doing okay. Next summer I will experiment with full shade if they are still with me. Now that I know they will survive summer the real question in my mind is the short and warm dormancy period that they will encounter this winter. That will be the the deciding factor as near as I can tell. I plan to keep them outdoors versus a climate controlled environment, besides there's not enough room in the fridge for trees lol. If I were you I would experiment with some inexpensive seedlings or saplings before purchasing expensive stock that may not thrive or even survive. Grow them for at least one or two seasons to see how they handle your particular climate. As Aaron stated you also need to take into account the species and cultivar. Some are much more delicate than others. Can we call you Sam?