Japanese Maple.

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Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Deciduous tree

Light

Partial shade to dappled sunlight

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

6 to 10 meters

Growth rate

slow

Hardiness

USDA 5 to 9

Bloom time

Mid spring

Cuidados

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root issues. Watch for scorched leaf edges, which often signal too much direct sun or low humidity. A layer of mulch helps keep the roots cool during the heat of summer.

Watering

Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Feeding

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring.

Pruning

Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches during the dormant winter season.

Repotting

Repot in early spring before new growth begins if the roots become crowded.

Soil

Well-draining, slightly acidic, organic-rich soil

Soil pH

Acidic to neutral

Temperature

-20 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

low

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 50 to 100 years.

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Seguridad

People

This plant is non toxic to humans.

Pets

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The small, winged seeds are a potential choking hazard if swallowed by young children.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the sap.

Airborne allergens

The pollen can be a minor trigger for those with seasonal allergies.

Edibility

While not considered toxic, the leaves are not typically consumed by humans and offer little nutritional value.

Cómo identificarla

• Deeply lobed palmate leaves
• Delicate, slender branches
• Vibrant autumn foliage colors
• Small, inconspicuous spring flowers

Height

2 to 10m

Spread

1.5 to 6m

Leaves

green, red, purple, bronze, deciduous

Flowers

red, purple, yellow, 0.5 to 1cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Verticillium wilt — A soilborne fungus that causes sudden wilting and branch dieback.
• Aphids — Small insects that suck sap from new growth and cause leaf curling.
• Leaf scorch — Brown, crispy leaf edges caused by too much sun or wind exposure.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

cuttings, grafting, seed

When to plant

spring, autumn

Overwintering

In cold climates, move pots to a sheltered area or wrap them to prevent root freeze. Ensure the soil stays slightly moist but not soggy during the winter months.

In containers

They are excellent for containers, but ensure you use a pot at least 15 to 20 inches wide with good drainage.

Pair your maple with low growing, shade tolerant plants to create a lush, layered look.

Buenas compañeras

• Hosta — They share similar shade requirements and provide a nice contrast in leaf texture.
• Japanese Forest Grass — This grass mimics the graceful, weeping habit of many Japanese maple varieties.
• Ferns — Ferns thrive in the same moist, shaded conditions as the maple.

Mantenla lejos de

• Sun loving perennials — Plants that require full sun will struggle in the shade provided by the maple.

Especies parecidas

• Fullmoon Maple — It has a similar growth habit but features larger, more rounded leaves.
• Paperbark Maple — It offers beautiful peeling bark that provides interest when the leaves fall.

Ciencia

Family

Sapindaceae

Genus

Acer

Order

Sapindales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Japan, Korea, and eastern China.

Conservation

Most cultivars are widely propagated, but wild populations in certain regions are protected.

They grow as understory trees in temperate forests, relying on filtered light to thrive.

Value to wildlife

early season nectar source

Pollinators

bees

Uses

ornamental specimen, bonsai subject, container gardening

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

How much sun do they need?

Most prefer dappled shade to protect their delicate leaves from burning.

Can I grow them in pots?

Yes, they thrive in containers if you use well draining soil and keep them watered.

De dónde viene el nombre

The name Acer is the Latin word for maple, while palmatum refers to the hand like shape of the leaves.

Bueno saberlo

• Japanese maples have been cultivated in Japan for centuries.
• They are a classic choice for traditional Japanese garden designs.
• The leaves can range from deep purple to bright green and fiery red.
• They are often used to create a sense of calm and balance in a landscape.