Fullmoon maple Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'

Water

The Full Moon Maple should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, this usually equates to about 1.5 gallons per week for a young tree. During the hot summer months, watering frequency may need to be increased to twice a week, and during periods of heavy rainfall, it can be reduced. During winter, water sparingly, just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely, which may mean reducing water to a half gallon every two weeks, depending on local weather.

Light

The Full Moon Maple thrives in partial shade to full sun. Ideally, it should be planted in a location that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Dappled sunlight is perfect for this maple, as it mimics the tree’s natural habitat beneath the forest canopy.

Temperature

The Full Moon Maple is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures; it can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 80°F. The ideal growing conditions, however, are between 60°F and 75°F. This plant does not tolerate extreme heat well, so in areas where temperatures routinely soar above 80°F, it should be planted in a spot that receives shade during the hottest part of the day.

Pruning

Pruning the Full Moon Maple is typically done for aesthetic shaping and to remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is during late winter or early fall when the tree is dormant. Pruning should be done sparingly, as the tree does not require it to thrive and excessive pruning can cause harm. Light trimming once every 2-3 years should be sufficient to maintain its shape and health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Full Moon Maple prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. A mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand is ideal, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 7.5. Amending the soil with compost or leaf mold can enhance its structure and fertility, conducive to the plant's growth.

Repotting

Full Moon Maples should be repotted approximately every 2-4 years, or when they become root-bound. Younger trees may require more frequent repotting due to their faster growth rate, whereas mature trees can be repotted less often as their growth slows.

Humidity & Misting

Full Moon Maple thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels. It prefers an environment with around 60-80% humidity. If the air is too dry, especially indoors, the plant’s foliage may develop brown edges.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade; shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium', commonly known as the Fullmoon Maple, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification (a period of cold to break dormancy), germinates in the spring. The seedling then emerges and establishes itself, developing into a juvenile plant with the iconic dissected foliage that deepens in color from green to red or orange in the fall. As it matures, the Fullmoon Maple grows into a small tree or large shrub, typically reaching its mature size in 10 to 15 years. During this time, it experiences seasonal cycles of growth in the spring and summer, followed by dormancy in the fall and winter. Once fully mature, it produces flowers in spring, which after pollination, develop into samaras (winged seeds) that disperse by wind. This tree may live for several decades, continuing the cycle by producing seeds every year, which fall to the ground and have the potential to grow into new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer

• Propogation: The Japanese Maple 'Aconitifolium' is most popularly propagated using the method of grafting, particularly during the late winter or early spring before the plant breaks dormancy. In grafting, a piece of a stem with leaf buds, known as a scion, is inserted into a stock tree, which is typically a seedling or clone with a strong root system. The scion and stock need to be firmly bound together until the graft union heals and the tissues fuse, which typically takes several weeks to a few months depending on conditions such as temperature and humidity. Grafting not only combines the desirable characteristics of the 'Aconitifolium' foliage with a robust rootstock but also ensures a clone of the parent plant, maintaining the exact traits for which this cultivar is valued. The process requires skill and practice to be successful, as the cut surfaces need to be made cleanly and aligned properly to ensure a good union between the scion and the rootstock.