Many plants are not or only partially suitable for container cultivation and will wither away in such a planter. But not the Japanese maple, which also feels very comfortable on the balcony or terrace - provided you follow our tried and tested instructions for planting and care.
Can you keep a Japanese maple on the balcony?
The Japanese maple is well suited for the balcony if it is planted in a sufficiently large, wide container and attention is paid to sufficient drainage, a location protected from the wind, regular watering, annual fertilization and frost protection in winter. Varieties such as “Butterfly” and “Kamagata” are particularly suitable.
Suitable species for the bucket
Now the Japanese maple is not a homogeneous species, but is used by many dealers as a collective term for various types of maple that come from the Far East. In addition to the actual Japanese maple (Acer japonicum), the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) and the golden maple (Acer shirasawanum) are also included in this group. What they all have in common, however, is their small growth, the characteristic strongly pinnate leaves and the intense autumn color. Basically all species are suitable for keeping in containers, but especially the dwarf ones.
Choosing the right vessel
Since the Japanese maple is a shallow-rooted tree, you should not only choose the largest possible pot, but also the widest possible one. At best, this is so big that you can leave the slow-growing tree in it for up to five years. As a rule, repotting is only necessary after this time has elapsed. If you want to overwinter your Japanese maple outdoors, choose a frost-proof container - so that the material doesn't break apart in the cold season and endanger the tree inside.
Drainage is important
Although the Japanese maple prefers a slightly moist substrate, it cannot cope with waterlogging at all. For this reason, you should pay particular attention to good drainage when planting your newly acquired tree:
- Choose a planter with drainage holes at the bottom.
- These are covered with larger stones/pebbles to avoid silting up.
- This is followed by a layer of clay granules or another material several centimeters thick.
- The larger the pot, the thicker this layer is.
- Fill with a nutrient-rich and permeable substrate,
- which ideally consists of a soil and sand mixture.
There should never be standing water in the coaster; this should always be removed.
Proper care for potted maple
The following rules apply to the care of the potted maple:
- Choose a location suitable for the selected variety.
- This should also be as sheltered from the wind on the balcony as possible.
- Water regularly but moderately.
- Fertilize once a year with a slow-release fertilizer (€10.00 on Amazon) or organic fertilizer.
- Don't cut back the maple.
- Protect the pot and plant from frost in winter.
Tip
Japanese Japanese maple and some of its varieties are particularly suitable for the balcony, for example the delicate varieties “Butterfly” and “Kamagata”.
