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A beautiful small "shohin" bonsai, with already a thick trunk the branches in the right places. The tree is potted in Bonsai compost and in a glazed bonsai pot. Already an eye catcher, but you can restyle it as you wish. A perfect starter bonsai tree for beginners.
Light
Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Mountain maples appreciate morning sun with some afternoon protection in the hottest summer months. More sun encourages smaller leaves and better autumn colour.
Temperature
Fully hardy — one of the most cold-tolerant species for bonsai, withstanding temperatures well below −15 °C. Overwinter outdoors or in a cold frame. Protect the pot from prolonged hard freezes.
Watering
Water generously during the growing season — mountain maples are thirsty trees in summer. Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Reduce significantly in winter when the tree is dormant.
Fertilizer
Feed every 1–2 weeks from bud break through summer with a balanced fertilizer. Switch to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula from late summer to encourage hardening and vivid autumn colour.
Pruning
Prune new shoots back to 1–2 pairs of leaves throughout the growing season to develop ramification. Hard structural pruning is best done in late winter before bud break. Mountain maple back-buds readily, making it very forgiving.
Repotting
Repot every 2–3 years in early spring, just as buds begin to swell. Mountain maples tolerate root pruning well. Use a well-draining soil mix. Moving into a proper bonsai pot will enhance the overall composition significantly.
Troubleshooting
Wire cutting into bark: Mountain maples grow vigorously in spring. Check all wired sections every 2–3 weeks during bud break and early summer. Remove wire before it bites to protect the developing trunk line.
Powdery mildew: Common on maples in humid conditions with poor airflow. Treat with a diluted fungicide and ensure the tree is not crowded. Avoid wetting the foliage in the evening.
Leaf scorch: Brown leaf edges in summer indicate either drought stress or too much direct afternoon sun. Ensure consistent watering and move to a slightly more sheltered position if needed.
Aphids: Frequently appear on new growth in spring. Treat early with insecticidal soap or a systemic insecticide. Left untreated, heavy infestations can distort new leaves and weaken growth.
No back-budding after pruning: Ensure adequate light and fertilization. Mountain maples are generally vigorous back-budders. Weak response usually points to insufficient sun or nutrient deficiency.
