Japanese Maple / Smooth Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
description
Japanese Maple is a graceful small tree prized for delicate leaves and vivid seasonal colour.
benefits
- Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
- Suitable for containers
How to care for Japanese Maple
sunlight
Japanese maples grow along woodland edges, where they get gentle light and protection from harsh afternoon sun. Give yours bright shade or morning sun, especially in warm climates.
Bright shade
Ideal for sheltered patios and gardens with filtered light beneath taller trees. This is the safest choice for finely cut or pale-leaved cultivars.
Morning sun, afternoon shade
A few hours of early sun can deepen leaf colour and encourage sturdy growth. Shield it from hot midday and late-afternoon sun, particularly when weather is dry or windy.
watering
Spring and summer
Water potted trees thoroughly about 2-4 times a week, or daily during hot, windy spells, when the top 2-5 cm of compost feels dry. Water newly planted trees in the ground deeply about once or twice weekly in dry weather; established trees usually need help only during prolonged drought.
Autumn and winter
As growth slows, potted trees may need water roughly every 1-2 weeks. Let the surface dry slightly, then check for moisture lower in the pot. Water on frost-free days if the root ball is drying out, especially under cover.
Sun, wind, warmth, small pots, terracotta, and a free-draining mix make soil dry faster. Shade, cool weather, large pots, and slow root growth extend the interval. Always soak the root ball and let excess drain away.
humidity
Preferred humidity
Japanese maples come from woodland settings with moist air and shelter from drying wind. They are happy in most outdoor conditions, but 40-60% relative humidity helps foliage stay fresh, especially in warm weather.
Brief periods around 35% are usually fine if the roots are evenly moist. Very dry air, hot sun, and wind together can cause crisp brown leaf edges, curling, and early leaf drop. Fine-leaved and red-leaved cultivars can be more prone to scorch.
- Site the tree where it gets morning sun or dappled light and shelter from strong afternoon wind.
- Mulch the root zone with 5-8 cm of organic mulch, kept clear of the trunk, to conserve soil moisture.
- Water deeply during dry spells, especially for young or container-grown trees. Good airflow is still important, so avoid constantly wet foliage.
temperature
Growing season
Winter dormancy
Japanese maple comes from cool temperate woodland and needs a cold winter rest. It grows best outdoors, where cool nights suit it; prolonged heat above 29°C (84°F), especially with dry wind or strong sun, can scorch the leaves.
nutrition
March - July
Feed young or container-grown Japanese maples about every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, slow-release or liquid tree fertiliser at half the label strength. Established trees in good garden soil often need little or no extra feeding. Stop in late summer and winter so new growth can ripen before cold weather.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports leafy spring growth, but too much can cause soft, overly green shoots and reduce the best leaf colour. A gentle, balanced feed is enough.
soil
Moisture-retentive, free-draining soil
Japanese maple roots prefer an even supply of moisture but suffer in dense, waterlogged compost. Use a loam-based mix with composted bark or leaf mould, plus grit or perlite for air spaces and drainage.
pH 5,5 - 6,5
This is slightly acidic soil, which suits Japanese maples well. Choose an ericaceous or naturally acidic mix, especially in pots, and avoid adding lime.