Acer palmatum atropurpureum is a plant that is native to parts of Asia. It is a member of the genus Acer, which contains about 120 species. The leaves of this plant are deeply lobed and have a purple hue. The flowers are small and yellow, and the plant produces fruit in the form of a two-lobed seed.
Related plant:
Acer Shrub
Related plant:
Acer Griseum
About soil condition, Acer palmatum atropurpureum prefers well-drained, organic soils in partial to full sun. It is not overly particular about soil type, but does not tolerate wet, poorly-drained soils. This plant is quite drought tolerant once established.
Similar to other Japanese maples, the Acer palmatum atropurpureum requires full sun to partial shade. The tree does best in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. It is important to ensure that the tree receives enough sun, as this helps the leaves to maintain their deep purple color. If the tree does not receive enough sun, the leaves may become lighter in color or even green.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for the Acer palmatum atropurpureum is one that is cool and humid. This plant does not do well in excessively warm or dry conditions. In fact, it is best to keep this plant in an environment that is cool and moist, such as a greenhouse. If you live in an area with warm summers and cool winters, this plant can be kept outdoors. However, if you live in an area with hot summers and cold winters, it is best to keep this plant indoors.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. The plant should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch, and the leaves should be misted regularly. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off.
Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant gets all the nutrients it needs from the soil in which it is grown. However, if you find that the leaves of your Acer palmatum atropurpureum are beginning to turn yellow and the plant is not growing as vigorously as it used to, then it may be time to give it a little boost with some fertilizer. You can purchase a fertilizer made specifically for Japanese maples at your local gardening store. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots and leaves of the tree.
Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches first. Then, thin out the canopy to allow light and air to reach the inner branches. Finally, cut back any long or leggy branches.
Propagation of Acer palmatum atropurpureum is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be 4-6 inches in length. Cuttings should be taken with a sharp knife or pruning shears and the bottom 2 inches of leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-drained potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist but not wet and the cuttings should be placed in a humid environment such as a plastic bag. After 4-8 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Usually, the plant growth rate is slow when young, but will pick up as the plant matures. In ideal conditions, you can expect your plant to grow about 10-12 inches per year. Be sure to give it room to grow, as this plant can reach heights of 15 feet or more!
Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, and spider mites. These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow, brown, or black and can eventually kill the plant. Luckily, there are many products on the market that can kill these pests and save your plant.
Source:
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' (Japanese Maple) - American Â…
Acer palmatum atropurpureum Purple Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’ - hort.ifas.ufl.edu
