![]() If a branch has already been allowed to grow out with long internodes, the only way to shorten them is to cut back the branch to the first internode and re-grow it, with appropriate pinching to keep the internodes short. In Japan, the centers of new shoots are removed with tweezers and a magnifying glass just as the shoot is opening up for maximum internode reduction. ![]() Pinch back new shoots by pruning them to two sets of leaves (internodes.) An internode is the space on a branch from one pair of leaves to the next. To develop fine branches and avoid long internodes, pinch back new growth during the growing season. Seal pruning wounds with a wound dressing, a putty from Japan that works well and can be cleaned up after the wound has healed. Branch pruning should be done mainly in fall or winter to avoid excess loss of sap and so that the shape of the tree can be better seen. Root pruning should be accompanied by branch pruning so that the root system is not overstressed trying to supply nutrients to an oversize branch system. Another option is feeding every 20-30 days with a slow-acting organic fertilizer in the spring and autumn. If you prefer to use chemical fertilizers, feed every other week with a half-strength solution of a balanced fertilizer, such as Peter’s 20-20-20. Stop feeding for a month or two during the hottest part of the summer. However, do not feed for two months after repotting or when a tree is weakened. Fertilizer is like vitamins and minerals for a plant. ![]() Fertilizing:įertilizing a bonsai is essential to its health because nutrients in the soil are washed away with each watering. An inexpensive moisture meter takes the guesswork out of watering. ![]() Let the water absorb from the holes in the bottom of the pot. An old bonsai watering trick is to place the entire pot in a sink of water an inch or two deep. More bonsai die due to improper watering than any other cause. Water daily but keep good drainage to prevent root rotting. The Japanese Red Maple prefers wet to moist soils. Anecdotal evidence can be found to support either point of view. The traditional opinion has been that the burning effect happens because of water droplets acting like a lens to concentrate the sunlight. It may be that maple leaves turn brown and curl when exposed to direct sun due to the presence of dissolved minerals in the water supply which build up in the leaves. The delicate foliage can “burn” if exposed to direct summer sun. The Japanese Red Maple should be placed where it will receive morning or evening sun but will not be in direct sunlight at the height of summer, and do not water in direct sun. The red varieties seem to be more popular as bonsai. palmatum, including thread-leaf and lace-leaf varieties and both green and red varieties. The bark on young branches and trunks is usually green (may be red on some varieties) and turns brown or light gray with age. Its botanical name comes from its leaves, which have 5 or more deep lobes and vaguely resemble a human hand. The Japanese Red Maple – Acer Palmatum – This maple is native to China and Japan. Click on image to see current prices for this treeĭownload these instructions General Information:
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