How to grow a red maple bonsai at home
This article provides a detailed explanation for netizens who are interested in learning how to properly care for red maple bonsais and the cultivation methods for red maple trees in the field of green plants and flowers. Let's dive into the introduction by the editor.
Red maple is a very beautiful ornamental tree. The new leaves in spring are bright red, and they turn green after a period of growth. In the fall, when the weather cools down, they turn deep red again. Growing several red maples in the yard at home adds a beautiful touch, even though they do not bloom. By late autumn, the scenery is dyed in deep colors, which is truly magnificent!
Red maple is also an excellent species for creating bonsais. Cultivating red maple in a beautiful pot and shaping it through pruning and other techniques can enhance its ornamental value. Let's learn how to care for a red maple bonsai.
Pot selection
The material of the pot for red maple bonsai should be breathable. An ancient and elegant purple clay pot is a good choice. Although this type of pot is slightly more expensive, it is more beneficial for plant growth and provides a better overall ornamental effect. For the shape of the pot, rectangular or oval pots are recommended as they enhance the visual appeal of the red maple. Of course, you can also choose a pot based on personal preferences.
Cultivation soil
Red maple is not particular about soil. For pot cultivation, a mixture of 3 parts garden soil, 2 parts decomposed leaf soil, and 2 parts river sand can be used as the growing medium. Planting a tree bonsai is different from planting ordinary flowers and plants; it should not be done with only soft, nutrient-rich soil. Some mountain soil or vegetable garden soil should be added to facilitate root growth and prevent the plant from toppling over.
Watering requirements
Caring for a red maple is relatively worry-free, and this tree is drought-resistant. However, during the growth season, do not let the potting soil become too dry, especially during the spring sprouting period, as a lack of water can affect the growth of new sprouts. It is best to water when the soil is slightly dry or keep the soil slightly moist. If you want to control leaf growth, you should reduce watering and keep the soil slightly dry.
How to grow a red maple bonsai at home
In the summer, when temperatures are too high, avoid watering during the noon time. Instead, water early in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler. When the ambient temperature is too high, you can frequently spray water around the pot to cool and increase humidity.
Proper fertilization
Caring for a red maple bonsai does not require frequent fertilization like flowering plants. When the plant is potted, a small amount of base fertilizer can be applied. During the growing season, fertilize only during the plant's growth period. Before the plant sprouts in early spring, you can bury some decomposed sheep manure or soybean cake fertilizer in the potting soil or pour some fermented fertilizer solution to promote robust growth. In the summer, when temperatures are too high, fertilization can be omitted.
In the fall, when the weather cools down, apply a balanced compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. After a while, the leaves will gradually turn red. Before winter arrives, supplement the plant with a final application of fertilizer and water to ensure it can survive the winter.
Adequate sunlight
Red maple loves sunlight but cannot withstand intense direct sunlight. In spring and autumn, be sure to move the pot to a place with direct sunlight to allow it to receive plenty of sunlight, which will make the leaves more vibrant red and prevent excessive growth of branches and leaves. In summer, provide shade for the red maple or move it to a place with diffused light. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, as this can easily burn the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off.
Pruning and styling
Common styles of red maple bonsais include the thicket style, double-trunk style, single-trunk style, and slanting-trunk style. Regular pruning and wiring are used to shape the plant, maintaining a balanced and natural look.
When the plant is growing vigorously, if the leaves are too large or turn green, you can remove the leaves. After removing the old leaves and strengthening water and fertilizer care, new bright red leaves will grow again, which is highly ornamental.
The aforementioned content about how to grow a red maple bonsai at home and the cultivation methods for red maple trees in bonsais can be used as a reference for green plant enthusiasts.