Japanese Maple Acer japonicum 'Fairy Lights'

Water

The Japanese maple 'Fairy Lights' prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. It should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, with approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water each time for a tree with a mature size of about 10 feet. During the growing season, when temperatures are higher and rainfall is less frequent, you might need to water more often to maintain moisture. Conversely, reduce watering in the winter when the tree is dormant and the soil remains wet longer. Always check the soil moisture level a few inches down to ensure it's not too dry before watering again.

Light

Japanese maples like 'Fairy Lights' thrive best in a spot that offers dappled or partial sunlight. They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in areas with intense summer heat, it is crucial to provide some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. An ideal location would be where the plant is shielded by larger trees or structures during the hottest part of the day.

Temperature

Japanese maples 'Fairy Lights' are cold-hardy and can typically survive temperatures as low as -20°F to -10°F, but prefer a temperate climate. The ideal temperature range for this cultivar is between 60°F and 75°F, although it can tolerate summer highs up to 90°F if provided with adequate moisture and shade. They are best suited for USDA zones 5 through 7.

Pruning

Prune Japanese maple 'Fairy Lights' to maintain its shape and health, typically during dormancy in winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead or crossed branches and thin out dense areas to allow light and airflow. The best time is when the tree is still dormant to minimize sap loss, which can attract pests.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Japanese Maple 'Fairy Lights' thrives best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of loam, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts is ideal, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally ranging between 5.5 and 7.0.

Repotting

The Japanese Maple 'Fairy Lights' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in its new container before the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

The Japanese Maple 'Fairy Lights' prefers the outdoor humidity levels typical of temperate climates. No extra humidity control is necessary; however, they do appreciate a location with some protection from harsh winds that can dry them out.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and avoid dry heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Choose a sheltered spot with dappled sunlight and mulch.

• Hardiness zone

  5-7 USDA

Life cycle

Acer japonicum 'Fairy Lights', commonly known as Fullmoon maple, begins its life cycle when the seeds fall to the ground in autumn and undergo stratification over the winter. In the spring, the seeds germinate, and young saplings sprout, gradually developing a root system and a stem with characteristic lobed leaves. Throughout the spring and summer, the sapling grows, undergoing photosynthesis and branching to form a more complex structure, eventually maturing into a small tree. As the tree matures over several years, it undergoes repeated seasonal cycles, with leaves unfurling in spring, transitioning to rich colors in autumn before being shed, and new growth occurring the following year. During its reproductive phase, which starts once the tree reaches a sufficient level of maturity, it produces inconspicuous red or purple flowers in the spring that develop into winged samaras, facilitating seed dispersal. Lastly, the Fullmoon maple can live for several decades, continuing its growth and reproduction cycle until it reaches senescence and eventually dies, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Summer-Early Fall

• The most popular method of propagation for the Japanese maple 'Fairy Lights' is through grafting, particularly during the late winter to early spring months when the plant is still dormant. Grafting involves taking a piece of a branch, known as a scion, that includes buds from a 'Fairy Lights' Japanese maple and joining it to a rootstock, which is typically from a more common or hardy Japanese maple variety. This is done by making a diagonal cut in both the scion and the rootstock, then fitting them together so that the cambium layers match up. They are then bound tightly with grafting tape or a similar material to hold them together. For best results, the grafted plants should be kept in a humid environment until the graft union has completely healed and the scion has begun to grow, indicating a successful graft.