How Can You Grow A Maple Bonsai

If you are planning to grow a bonsai tree, you need to give sufficient amount of time, be patient, and apply your creativity so that you can create a breath-taking and one of a kind miniature tree. There are over 250 species that you can choose from in creating a bonsai tree, and one of the most common is the maple bonsai. Maples have three main subspecies which include Acer palmatum palmatum, Acer palmatum amoenum, and Acer palmatum matsumurae.

Amur maple tree (Acer ginnale), Trident maple tree (Acer buergerianum), and Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum) are the some of the most commonly used tree species to be converted as a maple bonsai. To be successful in maple bonsai propagation, you need to observe appropriate techniques, and proper nourishment and maintenance should be given.

Here are steps on how you can grow a maple bonsai successfully:

• Choose a specific maple tree species you want to be the subject as your miniature tree. There are some maple tree species that can be good candidates as a miniature maple, you just have to be familiar of what are its specific needs so that you will not fail in growing a miniature maple and as well as not to cause damage to your growing miniature tree.

• After choosing a maple tree species, you can now start your little maple tree. You can start growing it from seeds, grafting, air-layering, and cutting. The seeds should be kept fresh before it can undergo germination process. You can keep the seeds fresh by placing it inside the refrigerator with a temperature of 5 degree Celsius. Cutting is the most common method used in starting a miniature maple for the reason that they grow well from cuttings.

• Then, select a soil that is suitable for your maple tree species. You should use a soil mixture that promotes good drainage so that the roots will not get soaked for long periods because this can rot them. The soil mixture must hold sufficient moisture that is enough for the growing little maple tree.

• Consider the tree species you have before you expose it under sunlight. Some maple tree species can tolerate direct sunlight exposure while others should be placed in a shady area. You must protect your little maple tree from too much sun exposure because it can cause drying up of the leave easily.

• Water your little maple tree as often as necessary. If the soil is dry, you should water it sufficiently and it is recommended to use a water container that has fine nozzle. This will prevent washing away the soil from the bonsai pot. The water should be dripping out from the holes of the bonsai pot to make sure that the water has reached the roots.

• Use a high quality fertilizer for your growing miniature tree. Your growing little tree will need help especially during the growing season because fertilizers will enhance their growth and development.

• Eradicate any pests from your growing miniature tree because they will damage the leaves, branches, and other parts of the tree. You can ask from garden centers or from a professional bonsai cultivator on how you can successfully eradicate these pests. Aphids and mildew are the most common insects seen on miniature maple trees.