If you are looking for maple species for cultivation in pots, you should look at slot maple (Acer palmatum), also known as Japanese maple. Of course, the picturesque ornamental trees quickly react offended if their wishes regarding location and care are not taken into account. This way the Asian beauties will stay with you.
How do I properly care for a maple tree in a pot?
To successfully cultivate a maple in a pot, choose a sunny, sheltered location from the wind and water moderately. Fertilize regularly from April to July, cut back if necessary and protect the pot in winter.
Choose a location carefully – this is what you should pay attention to
The most beautiful maple varieties for pot cultivation delight with dark red or golden yellow, deeply slotted decorative leaves. Unsuitable conditions at the location can significantly affect its splendor and even cause disease. Please place a maple tree in the pot like this:
- Sunny to sunny location with at least 6 hours of sunshine daily
- Possibility of shading in the blazing midday sun in summer
- Protected from the wind but still surrounded by air
The beautiful foliage colors fade in partial shade. In wind-exposed locations, the leaves suffer from leaf tip drought. Under the blazing sunlight at midday in summer, leaf damage due to sunburn is inevitable.
Care in the pot – tips for the perfect wellness program
Moderation in water and nutrient supply has a beneficial effect on the magnificent autumn colors. Pruning is only necessary if necessary. Well-thought-out winter protection is of fundamental importance. The following overview summarizes all the important care measures:
- Water maple in the pot when the substrate surface is noticeably dry
- From April to July, fertilize liquidly every 4 weeks or give one-off organic long-term fertilizer from Oscorna (€18.00 on Amazon)
- Before the onset of winter, place the pot on wood, wrap it with foil and put a fleece cover over it
For slow-growing maple varieties in pots, you can safely leave the topic of pruning out of your care program. With a speed of 5 to 10 cm, every growth is happily welcomed. Fast-growing varieties, on the other hand, tend to have sparse, sprawling branching, which is shaped by pruning. The best time is at the end of winter dormancy. As long as you don't cut into the old wood, a maple tree will happily sprout again.
Tip
As an Asian maple species, slot maple is particularly susceptible to frost damage when it thrives in a pot. If your space allows, put away the delicate trees. In a bright, frost-free winter quarter at a maximum of 5 degrees Celsius, care is limited to occasional watering so that the soil does not dry out.
