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.

Guide botanique

Japanese Maple.

Acer palmatum

Prononciation AY-ser pal-MAY-tum

Aussi appelée Japanese Maple, Palmate Maple, Purple Japanese-Maple, Smooth Japanese Maple, Smooth Japanese-Maple, japanese-maple

The Japanese Maple is a graceful, slow growing tree prized for its delicate, deeply lobed leaves. It brings a touch of elegance to any garden with its stunning seasonal color shifts. These trees thrive in sheltered spots that protect their foliage from harsh winds.

En un coup d'œil

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

Entretien

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

Signes qu'il faut rempoter

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
The tree appears stunted despite regular care.
The root ball has become extremely tight and dense.

Sécurité

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.

Comment l'identifier

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

Problèmes courants

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.

La cultiver

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.

Softwood Cuttings

Take 4 to 6 inch cuttings in late spring.
Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
Place in a moist, well draining potting mix.
Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

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

Bonnes associations

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.

À éloigner de

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

Espèces similaires

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.

Science

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

Au fil des saisons

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Repères écologiques

Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 5/9

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

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.

D'où vient le nom

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

Bon à savoir

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.

Ton japanese maple a mauvaise mine ?

Cette page est un guide général. Pocket Botanist diagnostique les problèmes directement à partir d'une photo de ta plante, adapte l'arrosage à sa luminosité et te prévient quand il faut t'en occuper.

Télécharger l'appli

Ce guide a été généré par IA et vérifié avec la taxonomie du GBIF. Il s'agit d'informations générales, et non de conseils horticoles ou vétérinaires. Découvre comment nous concevons ces guides.