How to Make a Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree

Master the ancient art of the Japanese bonsai at home using this simple guide

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson Reviewed by Ben Barkan

Last Updated: July 30, 2023 Approved

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing the Maple Cutting

Download Article

1
Take a softwood cutting of your chosen cultivar of maple in early summer. Maple trees are easy to grow from cuttings. Select a maple tree branch that is appealing in shape. The size of the branch can be up to the diameter of your little finger. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- There are many possible cultivars of Japanese maple. Select according to what you're wanting––some will grow larger than others, some have rough bark and some require grafting.
- It's a good idea to take several cuttings; that way, you will be assured that one will take well (sometimes the roots are weak, rot or simply don't form).
- Note that red-leafed cultivars of the Japanese maple tend to have weak root systems and are usually grafted onto other rootstocks. Unless you know how to graft or have someone knowledgeable to help you, it might be a good idea to avoid the red-leafed cultivars until you are more experienced.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Preparing the Cutting

Download Article

Make a circular cut through the bark and into the hardwood underneath. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
^{[4]
X
Research source}
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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Establishing Roots on the Maple Bonsai

Download Article

1
Dust the top cut with rooting hormone or wipe with a rooting gel. ^{[6]
X
Research source} Wrap the area with the wet sphagnum moss, then wrap it with plastic and tie in place.
- Keep the moss wet. After several weeks, you should see roots through the plastic.
- Alternatively, stick the branches into a gritty compost of good quality. Keep this compost medium moist.
- Expect roots to form within 2 to 3 weeks if the stock taken is healthy and the conditions are warm and moist.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Planting the Bonsai Maple Tree

Download Article

When the roots start to thicken and turn brown, separate your new tree by cutting it off below the new roots.
2
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, Return to Lilliput, in Growing Today, 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, Bonsai Basics, p. 73, (1997)}
^{[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.
4
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, Return to Lilliput, in Growing Today, 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, Bonsai Basics, 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, Bonsai Basics, 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, Return to Lilliput, in Growing Today, 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, Return to Lilliput, in Growing Today, 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.

Video

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Are there any cheap places from which to get a young tree?

Community Answer

In late summer, The Home Depot has great deals on junipers and Japanese maples.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 29
Question

What kind of climate is most suitable for Japanese maple tree?

Community Answer

Japanese 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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 13
Question

How are the roots trimmed and how often?

Community Answer

The 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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 14

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

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
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
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, Return to Lilliput, in Growing Today, 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
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Repot your bonsai tree every two to three years for optimal growth, in the springtime. ^{[8]
X
Research source
Peter McMahon, Return to Lilliput, in Growing Today, pp. 30-34, (January 1995)} ^{[9]
X
Research source
Colin Lewis, Bonsai Basics, p. 73, (1997)} Cut the roots back about 20 percent at both edges and base. Water a repotted bonsai thoroughly.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

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
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
The new roots are very delicate and can be easily damaged. Use care when unwrapping the plastic and potting the tree.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Do not remove or disturb the sphagnum moss during the process.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Aphids love the new shoots of the Japanese maple. Remove quickly or they will cause deformed leaf formation. ^{[14]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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, Bonsai Basics, p. 73, (1997)}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

Log in

How to Make a Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree

Steps

Choosing the Maple Cutting

Preparing the Cutting

Establishing Roots on the Maple Bonsai

Planting the Bonsai Maple Tree

Video

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories