How to Grow Japanese Acer - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Japanese acer is a beautiful plant that is native to Japan. It is an evergreen plant that has small, dark green leaves. The japanese acer plant is a popular plant that is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

How to Grow Japanese Acer - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

japanese maple
Acer palmatum
Japanese Acer
Acer japonicum
Japanese Bloodgood Maple

Things to Know

Japanese acer is a deciduous, ornamental tree that is native to Japan.
It has been cultivated in Japan for centuries and is now grown in many other countries as well.
Japanese acer typically grows to a height of 15-25m (50-82ft), with a trunk diameter of 30-60cm (12-24in).
The leaves of Japanese acer are opposite, simple and lobed, with a toothed margin. They are green in summer, turning yellow, orange or red in autumn.
The flowers of Japanese acer are small and greenish-yellow, borne in clusters. They appear in late spring or early summer.
The fruit of Japanese acer is a reddish-orange samara (winged seed).
Japanese acer is commonly used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.
It is also used in bonsai.
Japanese acer is considered to be a symbol of good luck in Japan.
The wood of Japanese acer is used in furniture making and for making musical instruments.

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

How to Grow

For japanese acer, first step is to choose the right Acer plant. In general, there are two types of acer that can be distinguished by their leaf shape. The first type is the palmatum type and the second is the linearilobum type. The palmatum type has leaves that are divided into five or seven leaflets, while the linearilobum type has leaves that are divided into three or five lobes.
Acer plants can be bought from nurseries or garden centers. It is best to buy them in spring so that they can be planted immediately.
The next step is to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plants root ball.
After that, mix some organic matter such as compost or manure into the hole.
Plant the acer in the hole and then backfill it with soil.
Water the plant well and then mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
Japanese acer should be fertilized in early spring and then again in mid-summer.
In autumn, the leaves of the plant will change color and then fall off.
The plant will then enter a period of dormancy over winter.
Once spring arrives, the plant will start to grow new leaves and flowers.

Related plant:
Japanese Plum

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Japanese Acer is best to grow in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. It does not tolerate drought or wet, poorly drained soils. Prefers a position in full sun, but it will tolerate some partial shade, especially in hot summer climates.

About light

Not too different with other Japanese maples, the Japanese acer (Acer palmatum) is a slow-growing tree that prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, it will do best in a spot that gets afternoon shade. This tree is not particular about soil, but it does need well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. If you live in an area with heavy clay soils, consider planting your Japanese acer in a raised bed.

Good Temperature

The temperature in Japan can be quite extreme, with hot summers and cold winters. Luckily, the Acer okamurae is a hardy tree that can withstand these conditions. This tree is native to Japan and is often found in gardens and parks.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40% to 60%. The plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. In winter, when the air is drier, you may need to mist the leaves occasionally to keep them from drying out.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, usually the plant that we bought from store is suffering from lack of fertilizer. Plants in nature get their nutrient from the nutrient-rich soil, but the one that we bought doesn't have that. So, we have to give them fertilizer to replenish what they are lacking. There are many types of fertilizer in the market, and it can be confusing to choose the right one for our plants. In general, fertilizer can be classified into two types: organic and inorganic. Organic fertilizer is made from natural materials, such as manure, compost, and bone meal. They are safe for both the plants and the environment. However, they are not as effective as inorganic fertilizer. Inorganic fertilizer is made from synthetic materials, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They are more effective than organic fertilizer, but they can be harmful to the environment if not used properly. The best way to choose the right fertilizer for our plants is to consult with a nursery or an expert. They can help us determine the type of fertilizer that our plants need.

About light

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your Japanese acer in good shape. Regular pruning will encourage new growth and help to maintain the tree's overall health. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back any growth that is crowding the main trunk of the tree.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Japanese acer can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings or by grafting. To rooting stem cuttings, take a cutting from a mature plant that is about 6 inches long. Cut off the bottom leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Keep the pot in a warm, bright spot and wait for the cutting to root. This can take several weeks. To graft, cut a 2-inch-long piece of stem from a donor plant with a sharp knife. Make a slanted cut on the bottom of the stem and a matching cut on the top of the rootstock. Fit the two pieces together and bind them with grafting tape. Place the graft in a warm, bright spot and wait for it to heal. This can take several weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate when compared to other trees. When it comes to height, japanese acer can grow up to 30m. The leaves of japanese acer are small and deeply lobed with five or seven points. The flowers are usually small and pink or white in color. Japanese acer is a popular tree in Japan and is often used as an ornamental tree in gardens.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, canker, leaf spot, and verticillium wilt. powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery fungus on the leaves and stems of the plant. rust appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. canker appears as a sunken, dead area on the trunk or branches of the plant. leaf spot appears as small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. verticillium wilt appears as wilting and yellowing of the leaves of the plant.

Growing Tips

If you are growing your Japanese maple in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes.
Choose a spot for your plant that gets partial sun. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, and too little sun will result in fewer leaves.
Water your plant regularly, but do not allow it to sit in water.
Fertilize your plant once a year with a organic fertilizer.
Prune your plant as needed to shape it or remove any damaged branches.
Japanese maples are susceptible to aphids and scale, so keep an eye out for these pests and treat accordingly.
In late fall or early winter, prepare your plant for winter by covering it with a burlap or frost cloth.
Japanese maples are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they will benefit from occasional deep watering and mulching.
When growing a Japanese maple in a pot, be sure to repot it every