Japanese maple Acer palmatum 'Hana-matoi' (PBR) (v)

Water

The Japanese Maple should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's best to check the soil moisture every few days and water as needed, which might translate to about once a week, depending on weather conditions. During the growing season, you may need to water a couple of times per week. Use gentle, deep watering methods such as soaker hoses or drip irrigation to ensure the water reaches the roots rather than just wetting the surface. An established tree might need about 10 gallons per week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature.

Light

Japanese Maples prefer dappled or partial shade, especially in areas with hot summers. They can tolerate full sun, but in these conditions, they should be monitored for signs of stress like leaf scorch. The ideal spot would protect them from the harsh afternoon sun while providing bright filtered light. A location with morning sun and afternoon shade is typically best to maintain the vibrant foliage color.

Temperature

Japanese Maples thrive in temperatures ranging from about -20 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for Japanese Maple growth is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate cold down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit but may need protection from harsh winter winds. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant and may require additional shade and watering.

Pruning

Japanese Maples are pruned to maintain their shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is during dormancy in late winter before new growth starts, although light trimming can be done throughout the year. Prune sparingly, focusing on crossing branches and those that disrupt the tree's natural form. Pruning every two to three years is typically sufficient for maintaining an attractive shape and healthy structure.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Japanese Maple 'Hana-matoi' prefers a well-draining soil mix comprised of loamy or sandy soil, with ample organic matter. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part pine bark can be ideal. This species thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.

Repotting

Japanese Maples like 'Hana-matoi' typically require repotting every two to four years to prevent root-bound conditions and renew nutrient availability. It's best to repot in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

'Hana-matoi' Japanese Maple fares well in moderate humidity levels but does not require the high humidity of tropical plants. Maintaining an environment with 40-60% humidity is usually sufficient for healthy growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect sunlight and avoid dry heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade with moist, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Japanese Maple 'Hana-matoi' begins with seed germination, where the seeds require stratification to break dormancy and start growing. Once germinated, the seedling stage involves the initial growth of roots and a few leaves; during this stage, the plant is particularly vulnerable and requires appropriate soil, light, and water conditions. As the tree enters the juvenile stage, it develops more robust and complex leaf patterns and begins to establish a stronger root system. During the mature stage, the 'Hana-matoi' reaches full size and displays its characteristic deeply cut, variegated leaves that are red and pink in the spring, green with pink edges in the summer, and crimson in the fall; it also may begin to produce seeds if environmental conditions are favorable. In the pre-senescent and senescent stages, growth slows down, and the tree may become more susceptible to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors as its vigor decreases. Finally, the plant completes its life cycle once it dies, either due to natural senescence or external factors such as severe weather, disease, or human activity.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The Japanese Maple 'Hana-matoi' is commonly propagated by grafting, a technique that tends to be carried out during the dormant season in late winter or early spring. Grafting involves joining a piece of the Japanese Maple, known as the scion, with a rootstock of another maple that offers vigorous growth and sturdiness. The process starts with a clean, slanted cut on both the rootstock and the scion to expose the cambium layer, ensuring compatibility in size between the two. They are then joined together, bound with grafting tape or a similar material to secure the union, and often coated with a sealant to prevent drying and infection. Once grafted, the plant needs to be kept in a controlled environment to promote successful attachment and new growth, and depending on the conditions, it can take several weeks for the graft to heal and establish.