Japanese Maple Bonsai Winter Care

Plant your dwarf japanese red maple bonsai where it can receive light shade during the intense midday heat.
Japanese maple bonsai winter care. There should be a windbreak to prevent the fine branches from drying out for example an unheated greenhouse a foil tent or a sheltered outdoor corner. Most beginners hold back watering during the winter because they are afraid of the dirt freezing. Specific bonsai care guidelines for the japanese maple bonsai acer position. When the dirt is wet it can freeze and it takes a lot to get ice below 32 degrees.
When overwintering keep a close eye on your trees. During summer the maple s foliage will strengthen with branches beginning to extend outwards. A beautiful japanese zelkova bonsai tree in winter the ramification is incredible. Another bonsai winter care note is to keep the dirt moist at all times.
Although this bonsai belongs in the outdoors and needs a dormant period it cannot survive without root protection from frost and heavy wind or in areas where temperatures decline to below freezing for the winter. As winter approaches your maples are losing their leaves going dormant and preparing for winter. The trees don t need much water when in dormancy so be careful not to water too often. Water only when the soil dries out.
Most bonsai can be repotted during the winter but the best period for this is the weeks immediately prior to the early spring revival when you judge that there is no longer a danger of intense cold that could damage the roots. The harsh effects from wind and ice are the two most important factors to keep in mind when protecting your trees. How to care for japanese maple bonsai sunlight. This frost hardy plant can be grown in most locations but should be protected from a strong frost and conditions below 14 degrees fahrenheit whenever possible.
The japanese maple prefers a sunny airy position but during great midday heat it should be placed in the light shade to prevent damaged leaves. The japanese maple is a winter hardy outdoor bonsai that means it tolerates temperatures below 0 c well. Though it will still survive well as long as given adequate winter protection. Also check your trees for insects and infections regularly.
During the winter the maple bonsai trees will lose all their leaves leaving behind a beautiful winter silhouette. The japanese maple is frost hardy even when trained as a bonsai but it should be protected from strong frost below 10 c 14 f. Typically maples can handle down to 15 f without much trouble but when japanese maples are young they may need some protection. In frost free weather check the soil for moisture and pour if necessary.