The Japanese maple is also known as the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) and is a popular ornamental tree for gardens and containers. Depending on the species and variety, the distinctive, relatively small deciduous tree impresses with pretty flowers in spring and intense autumn foliage coloring in yellow, orange or red tones. For beautiful growth and he althy plants, the Japanese maple should receive careful care.
How do you properly care for a Japanese maple?
Proper care for a Japanese maple includes regular watering without waterlogging, one-time fertilization at the beginning of the growing season and the removal of dry and diseased branches. Good drainage and appropriate repotting are essential for container culture.
How often do you have to water the Japanese maple?
Since the Japanese maple is a shallow-rooted tree and always prefers light moisture, regular watering is essential, especially in the hot and dry summer months. However, make sure that there is no waterlogging, as the tree is extremely sensitive to this. It is best to water in the early morning or evening, but the leaves should not be wetted.
Do you have to fertilize the Japanese maple?
For fertilization, a single fertilization at the beginning of the growing season is sufficient, ideally with mature compost (€42.00 on Amazon) (leaf compost is ideal) or a depot fertilizer.
When and how can you cut the Japanese maple?
The Far Eastern deciduous tree should not be cut back if possible, as it reacts very sensitively to it and, in the worst case, can even die. Dry and diseased branches or shoots are best removed in spring or summer; pruning in autumn or winter should be avoided.
What care instructions should you pay particular attention to for a Japanese maple grown in a pot?
Bucket maples absolutely need very good drainage to avoid the formation of waterlogging. It is also best to water when the surface of the substrate has already dried and there is no water in the saucer - the saucer should always be emptied after watering.
How often should you repot a Japanese maple in a pot?
Plant the young Japanese maple in a pot that is as large and wide as possible so that the tree only needs to be repotted after about four to five years.
What diseases and pests commonly occur in the Japanese maple?
The Japanese maple is particularly at risk from verticillium wilt, an always fatal fungal disease. Otherwise, if watering is incorrect - especially if the leaves are wetted in summer - powdery mildew often occurs.
The Japanese maple is getting brown leaves, what should I do?
Brown leaves are usually an indication of improper watering with either too much or too little water. However, Verticillium wilt can also be behind it.
Can verticillium wilt on the Japanese maple be avoided?
Pay attention to a suitable location and proper care, especially with regard to watering. In addition, the Japanese maple should never be planted in a place where verticillium wilt has already occurred - the fungal spores are very stubborn in the soil, so replacing it is not helpful.
Is the Japanese maple hardy?
Many species and varieties of Japanese maple are quite hardy and can be overwintered with few protective measures. Pay attention to the descriptions on the respective variety label.
Tip
Trees affected by verticillium wilt can sometimes be saved by generously cutting away all affected shoots and branches.