Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Emperor 1' (A)

Water

The Japanese Maple, commonly known as the 'Emperor 1', should be watered deeply to saturate the root zone, and then allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering. This typically means watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. It's crucial not to over-water as Japanese Maples do not like soggy soil. During the growing season in spring and summer, you might provide 1-2 gallons of water per week, adjusting for rainfall, heat, and soil type. In winter, reduce watering but ensure the roots do not completely dry out.

Light

Japanese Maple trees, including 'Emperor 1', thrive best in partial shade, especially in areas with very hot summers. A spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade would be ideal. Too much direct sunlight may scorch their delicate leaves, whereas too little light can lead to weak growth and poor color development.

Temperature

The Japanese Maple 'Emperor 1' tolerates a range of temperatures but generally prefers moderate conditions. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer cold damage without protection. Ideally, maintain a temperature between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can also stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning the 'Emperor 1' Japanese Maple is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. The best time is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune selectively to thin out crowded branches and remove any dead or diseased wood. Pruning can be done every couple of years or as needed to control the size and shape of the tree.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Japanese maple 'Emperor 1' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A blend of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or gritty sand would create an optimal environment, providing both aeration and moisture retention.

Repotting

Japanese maples including 'Emperor 1' should typically be repotted every 2-3 years, with younger, faster-growing trees potentially needing repotting annually to encourage healthy root development and to replenish nutrients.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese maple 'Emperor 1' prefers a moderate humidity level but is adaptable to lower humidity environments common in temperate climates, making it suitable for a range of outdoor conditions without specific humidity requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity, avoiding dry heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade, shelter from strong wind, and well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Japanese Maple 'Emperor I' begins with seed germination, where the stratified seeds start to grow roots and shoots when exposed to the right environmental conditions, ideally in moist and slightly acidic soil. As seedlings establish, the young saplings go through a growth stage, developing distinctive palmate leaves that are deep red to purple, and begin to form a branching pattern that’s typical for Japanese maples. The sapling matures into an adult tree, developing a canopy that can reach 15 to 25 feet in height, and it also starts to produce small reddish-purple flowers in spring, which are often followed by the production of samaras, the winged fruits. Over several years, the tree goes through cycles of growth and dormancy, with leaves turning to fiery reds in the fall before being shed in winter. As it reaches maturity, Acer palmatum 'Emperor 1' requires minimal maintenance, responding well to pruning to maintain its shape and size. Eventually, the tree enters a senescence phase where growth slows, and it may become more susceptible to diseases and pests before eventually dying, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• Propogation: Acer palmatum 'Emperor 1', commonly known as Japanese Maple 'Emperor 1', can be propagated by several methods, but one of the most popular and reliable means is through softwood cuttings. This method is best performed in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still flexible but has begun to mature. To execute this technique, a gardener would take cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length from healthy, non-flowering branches. Each cutting should have at least two to three pairs of leaves, with the lowest pair of leaves removed to expose the nodes. The cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix. Cuttings are then typically covered with a plastic bag or placed in a greenhouse environment to maintain high humidity, with the plastic removed periodically to prevent mold growth. With proper care, the cuttings will start to root within a few weeks, at which point they can gradually be acclimated to ambient conditions.