Japanese Japanese maple is not only very popular among bonsai lovers. The distinctive and very delicate tree with its extremely decorative foliage is also ideal for container cultivation. However, the plant should be repotted regularly. You can find out why this is so important and how best to repot the Japanese maple in the article below.
When and why should you repot the Japanese maple?
Repotting a Japanese maple is important to counteract compaction of the substrate and ensure nutrient and water absorption. The optimal time is either before budding, at the beginning of March, or during budding, six to eight weeks later.
Why repotting is so important
Some hobby gardeners may ask themselves why repotting is so important - after all, the tree is fertilized regularly, so there can actually be no nutrient deficiency. Well, repotting is not only so important because of the possible lack of nutrients, but above all because of the compaction and thus hardening of the substrate. In pots, plant substrate tends to become very compact over time. The result is that water and nutrients can only be absorbed in insufficient quantities and the tree ultimately suffers from a deficiency. This problem can be counteracted with fresh, loose substrate.
Choose the right time
When it comes to the right time to repot, the expert minds argue, with two different schools of thought. Both sides have good arguments for and against their point of view, so that you can use the most valid justification for yourself.
Repotting before sprouting
Usually, Japanese maple should be repotted before budding occurs - i.e. at the beginning of March. The reason for this is that the tree is still in hibernation until then and therefore has not yet developed any new, fine roots. When repotting, these fine roots are damaged, so that the water supply to the tree is disrupted.
Repotting during sprouting
Proponents of repotting around six to eight weeks later, when the delicate foliage has already developed well, argue differently. The reason for this lies in the energy stored in the form of sugar and starch, which remains in the roots in winter and only reaches the above-ground parts of the plant in spring when they sprout. At least if a root cut is carried out - as when growing a bonsai - a later cut is recommended.
Tip
When repotting the Japanese maple, you should pay particular attention to choosing the right substrate. This should be loose and permeable, but also nutrient-rich. In addition, good drainage (€19.00 on Amazon) in the planter is essential for the well-being of the Japanese maple.
