Japanese Maple (Latin: Acer palmatum)
This species of maple is very popular in horticulture due to its leaf shape, color, and the beauty of its branches. The Japanese maple is a small tree or shrub, growing to a maximum height of 10 meters. Hundreds of varieties of Japanese maple have been cultivated by breeders, each with different leaves and growth characteristics. It grows quite slowly. The Japanese maple is one of the most popular plants among bonsai enthusiasts. This can be explained by the fact that this variety has beautiful small leaves, which fit well into the proportions of a miniature tree, and in the autumn, the leaves take on an exquisite color. The main difficulty in caring for the Japanese maple is its delicate leaves, which are easily damaged by direct sunlight and strong winds.
Bonsai styles for maple trees: all styles except for Bunjingi (文人木) and Hokidachi (箒立ち)
Article on bonsai styles
Location: Early spring provides good lighting, which gives strength to the leaves. In summer, the plant should be placed in a spot where direct sunlight cannot reach. It should also be kept away from strong winds. In winter, protection is only necessary if the temperature drops to -10 degrees Celsius or lower.
Watering: Water regularly but moderately, ensuring that the soil in the container remains moist and not waterlogged. Excess moisture can cause root rot.
Fertilizing: Start fertilizing early in the spring when the buds begin to open, every two weeks. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen at this stage to promote healthy leaf development. According to some specialists, fertilizing once a week in early spring may be necessary. During the rest of the year, use a balanced fertilizer. Stop fertilizing in the fall, when leaf drop begins.
Repotting: Young plants (up to 10 years old), if growing in a small container, should be repotted every year or every two years. Older maples should be repotted every 3-4 years. Repotting is done in early spring. Trim only one-third of the roots. Be sure to trim all damaged roots.
Pruning: Cutting large branches is done in late fall. Be sure to treat the cut area with garden sealant. If strong growth is needed for shaping, prune the branch or shoot during the dormancy period, leaving only 1 or 2 pairs of buds. If short internodes and weak shoot growth are desired, prune each new shoot during the growing season after 3-4 pairs of leaves appear, leaving only 2 pairs. Remove unnecessary newly emerged buds.
Full leaf trimming is done from late May to mid-June, every other year. Leaf trimming should not be done on diseased plants or during the year when repotting has occurred. After trimming the leaves, in addition to reducing their size, stronger and more beautiful leaves will grow on the plant.
Wire Frame: The wire frame is made from early spring to late autumn. Due to the rather stiff branches, shaping the maple is mostly done by pruning, but in cases of necessity, wire can also be used.
Liquidambar (Latin: Liquidambar)
Liquidambar (Sweetgum): The Liquidambar is a deciduous tree with broad leaves, which can grow up to 25 meters in height. Native to Eastern America and Mexico, this tree is particularly striking in the fall, thanks to its vibrant and varied leaf colors. Its star-shaped leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, making it a spectacular addition to any bonsai collection, especially during autumn.
Bonsai Styles for Liquidambar: All styles are suitable for Liquidambar, except for the Bunjingi (文人木) style. Location: Place in a well-lit, sunny spot. Avoid strong winds. Protection from frost is needed when temperatures drop below -10°C.
Watering: During the active growing season, abundant watering is required. The soil should not dry out completely, but it should not be constantly waterlogged either. Extra attention is needed in summer. Delaying watering for a few hours may cause the plant to dry out.
Fertilization: Once every 2 weeks throughout the entire growing season.
Pruning: Pruning of Liquidambar branches does not occur during the dormant period, as this may cause the entire cut branch to dry out. Pruning should be done after the start of the growing season. Shape-maintaining pruning also occurs during the active growth period. Special attention should be paid to cutting terminal buds. Otherwise, the lower part of the branch develops weakly, and new shoots may not form. The healing process of cut branches on Liquidambar is quite slow.
Repotting: Every 2 years, in spring, when the buds start to grow. It tolerates root pruning well, but make sure to maintain a balance between the roots and the size of the canopy.
Wire frame: Wrapping wire is only possible on the thinner branches of the liquidambar. They are quite easily damaged. Shaping is mainly done through pruning and an alternative method of wrapping wire.
Note: The liquidambar has wide leaves, and the distance between the nodes is also quite large. Great care is needed during shaping. It is better to create a larger bonsai from this variety, as it will be easier to work on and you will achieve a more proportional and beautiful bonsai more easily.
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