Download Article
Master the ancient art of the Japanese bonsai at home using this simple guide
Download Article
Turning a Japanese maple ( Acer palmatum ) [1] X Research source into a bonsai tree is a wonderful project; they are trees that lend themselves particularly well to bonsai growing. The small maple tree will grow just like its normal larger version, including changing into the gorgeous fall (autumn) colors as the season arrives. You only need a few things to complete this project and an interest in growing bonsai.
Steps
-
Cut around the base of the branch where the roots will sprout. Make a circular cut through the bark and into the hardwood underneath. [3] X Research source
-
Make a duplicate cut about two branch widths below the first cut.
-
Make a straight cut to connect the first two cuts. [4] X Research source
-
Peel off the bark between the first two cuts. The bark should peel off fairly easily. [5] X Research source Make sure none of the cambium layer (the green layer under the bark) is left.
Advertisement
-
Separate the tree. When the roots start to thicken and turn brown, separate your new tree by cutting it off below the new roots.
-
Place small pebbles for drainage in the bottom of a pot. [7] X Research source Partially fill the container with good quality topsoil (a good mix consists of about 80 percent bark and 20 percent peat, as this tends to promote fine fibrous feeder roots and gives good drainage. [8] X Research source Peter McMahon, <i>Return to Lilliput</i>, in <i>Growing Today</i>, pp. 30-34, (January 1995) Unwrap the plastic and without disturbing the roots, plant your new tree, adding additional soil as needed to firmly set the tree in place.
- The addition of sphagnum moss is helpful in hard water areas. [9] X Research source Colin Lewis, <i>Bonsai Basics</i>, p. 73, (1997)
-
Insert a small stake. [10] X Research source A stake will help to keep the tree from moving; while it is establishing itself, any movement can damage its delicate roots.
-
Enjoy your new tree! Find a suitable outdoor area to keep your bonsai, such as a porch, garden bed area or patio. Bonsai are not meant to be indoor plants; [8] X Research source Peter McMahon, <i>Return to Lilliput</i>, in <i>Growing Today</i>, pp. 30-34, (January 1995) if brought indoors, only keep them inside for a one to two days before returning them outdoors again; only bring them in when in leaf, or only for an hour during winter. [9] X Research source Colin Lewis, <i>Bonsai Basics</i>, p. 73, (1997)
- Keep the bonsai maple tree sheltered for the first few years. Don't leave it outside where frost can get to it for the first 2 to 3 years, as this can kill it. Avoid placing the plant anywhere windy and do not let it sit in direct sunlight for the whole day. [11] X Research source
- Feed a balanced feed after the buds form until late summer. During winter, feed with a low- or zero-nitrogen feed. [9] X Research source Colin Lewis, <i>Bonsai Basics</i>, p. 73, (1997)
- Never let a bonsai tree dry out. [12] X Research source It needs to be kept slightly moist at all times. [8] X Research source Peter McMahon, <i>Return to Lilliput</i>, in <i>Growing Today</i>, pp. 30-34, (January 1995) Wherever possible, use rainwater rather than tap water; it's healthier for the tree. Regular spraying with water is helpful for healthy growth.
- Learn to "style" the tree as it gets established. This is where you learn to reproduce what nature normally does, to give the tree the look of a real tree. [8] X Research source Peter McMahon, <i>Return to Lilliput</i>, in <i>Growing Today</i>, pp. 30-34, (January 1995) It consists of careful pruning and wiring. Getting this aspect right can take a lot of practice but that's all part of the fun of growing your own bonsai.
Advertisement
Video
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionAre there any cheap places from which to get a young tree?Community AnswerIn late summer, The Home Depot has great deals on junipers and Japanese maples.
-
QuestionWhat kind of climate is most suitable for Japanese maple tree?Community AnswerJapanese Maples need a period of cold dormancy, so they will not do well in hot climates. If you look outside and see maple trees, your Japanese Maple will thrive. But, if you look around and see nothing but cactus or palm trees, your tree will most likely not survive.
-
QuestionHow are the roots trimmed and how often?Community AnswerThe roots are trimmed when you repot the tree, usually every 2 - 3 years. You use a small rake to remove the soil between the roots and cut off about 1/3 of them.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- Japanese maples for bonsai can be grown from seed if wished; [13] X Research source it will obviously take longer but may be ideal if you don't wish to take a cutting from your tree. Acer palmatum grows easily from seed; when grown from seed, the maple's appearance can vary greatly, which is one of its charms.Thanks
- Soft aluminum or copper gauze wire can be used to train the tree in any particular direction of your choice. [8] X Research source Peter McMahon, <i>Return to Lilliput</i>, in <i>Growing Today</i>, pp. 30-34, (January 1995) Wind in place starting from the thickest area of the tree's trunk and coil around the trunk lightly. Don't pull the wire tightly or you can harm the tree and it'll leave marks. Simply touch the bark, not dig in.Thanks
- Repot your bonsai tree every two to three years for optimal growth, in the springtime. [8] X Research source Peter McMahon, <i>Return to Lilliput</i>, in <i>Growing Today</i>, pp. 30-34, (January 1995) [9] X Research source Colin Lewis, <i>Bonsai Basics</i>, p. 73, (1997) Cut the roots back about 20 percent at both edges and base. Water a repotted bonsai thoroughly.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- If the leaves stay green and fail to turn into colored foliage, this suggests that light levels are too low and need to be increased.Thanks
- The new roots are very delicate and can be easily damaged. Use care when unwrapping the plastic and potting the tree.Thanks
- Do not remove or disturb the sphagnum moss during the process.Thanks
- If wiring the tree when styling it, do not pull tightly. This can damage the tree and scars can take years to grow out or may deform the shape as the tree continues to grow.Thanks
- Aphids love the new shoots of the Japanese maple. Remove quickly or they will cause deformed leaf formation. [14] X Research sourceThanks
- Root decay caused by overwatering or a waterlogged soil is the main enemy of a bonsai plant. Ensure that the soil has good drainage and don't overwater. If you see water lying on the surface, the drainage quality of the soil is poor and needs replacing. [9] X Research source Colin Lewis, <i>Bonsai Basics</i>, p. 73, (1997)Thanks
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
- A maple tree
- Sharp (and clean) knife or scissors
- Sphagnum moss - soak it in water for at least 15 minutes
- A small sheet of heavy plastic
- String
- Rooting hormone, available at any garden center
- Container with good drainage holes for growing (there are many bonsai container options available at local nurseries and garden centers)
- Small pebbles for water drainage at base of container
- Suitable soil medium (such as a mix of bark and peat)
- Small stake, such as split bamboo canes
- Grass or anything for decoration (optional)
- Wire for styling or training, along with wire cutters
References
- ↑ https://bernheim.org/learn/trees-plants/bernheim-select-urban-trees/japanese-maple/
- ↑ https://www.bonsaitreegardener.net/bonsai-trees/species/japanese-maple
- ↑ https://www.bonsaitreegardener.net/bonsai-trees/species/japanese-maple
- ↑ https://www.bonsaitreegardener.net/bonsai-trees/species/japanese-maple
- ↑ https://www.bonsaitreegardener.net/bonsai-trees/species/japanese-maple
- ↑ https://www.bonsaitreegardener.net/bonsai-trees/species/japanese-maple
- ↑ https://www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/cultivation/from-cuttings
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Peter McMahon, Return to Lilliput , in Growing Today , pp. 30-34, (January 1995)
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Colin Lewis, Bonsai Basics , p. 73, (1997)
- ↑ https://www.bonsaitreegardener.net/bonsai-trees/species/japanese-maple
- ↑ https://www.mendocinomaples.com/maple-care
- ↑ https://www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/bonsai-care/watering
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff1L8MVERO0
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-aphids/
- http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/japmaple.htm – research source
- Peter McMahon, Return to Lilliput , in Growing Today , pp. 30-34, (January 1995) – research source
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_maple – Wikipedia on the Japanese maple tree
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To make a japanese maple bonsai tree, choose the maple branch you’d like to grow a new tree from during early summer. It should be about the diameter of your little finger. Make one circular cut around the base of the branch where the roots will sprout, and a second cut two branch widths below the first. Then, connect the two cuts with a third straight cut. Peel the bark between the two circular cuts, also removing the green layer under the bark. Wipe the top cut with rooting hormone or a rooting gel. Afterwards, wrap the unpeeled area with wet sphagnum moss first then plastic, and tie in place. Sever the cutting from the tree below the new roots when the roots thicken and turn brown. Finally, unwrap the plastic and plant the new tree in a pot with pebbles at the bottom, and insert a stake to keep the tree from moving and damaging its roots. Scroll down for more information on how to care for your new bonsai tree! Scroll down for more information on how to care for your new bonsai tree!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 325,162 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I wanted to start a Korean maple, but didn't know how deep to make the two cuts around the tree. Now I can see, and also know how much of the cambium to take off." ..." more
Advertisement
92%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"I wanted to start a Korean maple, but didn't know how deep to make the two cuts around the tree. Now I can see, and also know how much of the cambium to take off."
..."
more
"Made a good demo of what is needed, thanks. I've tried Japanese maple two different times, but they weren't healthy. "
..."
more
"Great info. Saw Mr. Miyagi on Karate Kid doing his bonsai trees, and wanted more info. Thank you."
"This is a short, practical tutorial in a layering technique I was searching for."
"Cutting the tree, getting the root started, putting plastic around it."
