Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Ichigyoji' (A)

Water

Japanese Maple, known scientifically as Acer palmatum 'Ichigyoji,' requires even moisture and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. In general, this might equate to watering once a week, but this can vary with local weather conditions and soil type. It's recommended to use about 2 gallons of water each time for a mature tree under typical garden conditions. During hot or windy weather, the tree may need additional water to prevent stress. It's important not to over-water as this can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and check the soil moisture regularly.

Light

Japanese Maple thrives best in a location that offers part shade, especially protection from the harsh afternoon sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade or filtered light all day is ideal for Acer palmatum 'Ichigyoji'. Direct exposure to strong sunlight for extended periods can scorch the leaves, while deep shade can reduce the vibrancy of the foliage color.

Temperature

The Japanese Maple prefers a temperate climate and can withstand winter temperatures down to about -10°F, the equivalent of USDA Zone 6. During the growing season, they appreciate a range between 50°F and 80°F. They are not ideally suited for extremely hot climates where summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F for extended periods, as intense heat can stress the plant.

Pruning

Prune Japanese Maple primarily to remove dead or damaged wood and to thin out dense areas to allow light into the center of the plant. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Major pruning is seldom required, and the natural shape is often most attractive, so only prune as needed. It's essential to avoid pruning in late fall or during the growing season when sap flow is high, as this can stress the tree and lead to excess sap loss.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Japanese Maple 'Ichigyoji' prefers a soil mix consisting of 1/3 organic matter like compost, 1/3 pumice or perlite for drainage, and 1/3 fine bark to provide aeration and moisture retention. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.

Repotting

Japanese Maple 'Ichigyoji' should generally be repotted every two to three years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to replenish nutrients in the soil. Spring is the best time for repotting, just before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Japanese Maple 'Ichigyoji' prefers moderate to high humidity levels; however, it is quite adaptable and can tolerate the average outdoor humidity in most temperate climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Japanese Maple 'Ichigyoji' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which usually occurs in spring following a period of stratification to break dormancy. The seeds develop into seedlings, which gradually establish a root system and sprout their first leaves. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative growth phase, producing characteristic palmate leaves and a woody stem structure, developing into a small deciduous tree or shrub. The Japanese Maple 'Ichigyoji' reaches reproductive maturity after several years, producing small red or purple flowers in spring, which after pollination, turn into winged samaras, or seed pods, that disperse in the wind. The tree continues to grow and can live for several decades, going through annual cycles of foliage growth in the spring, leaf color transformation to vibrant oranges or reds in the fall, and leaf drop in the winter. The plant eventually declines with age, leading to reduced vigor, potential disease susceptibility, and finally death, at which point the seeds complete the cycle by giving rise to new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• For the Japanese maple 'Ichigyoji', the most popular method of propagation is by grafting, commonly performed in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Grafting involves attaching a scion of the 'Ichigyoji' to the rootstock of a compatible Acer species, which then fuses together to create a new plant. The scion is a cutting, typically 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, collected from a healthy 'Ichigyoji' maple. It is important that the cutting is made at a diagonal angle and includes at least a couple of buds. The rootstock should be prepared by making a similar angled cut where the graft will occur. The cut surfaces are then joined together, making sure the cambium layers (the growing tissues just under the bark) of both the scion and the rootstock match up. The joint is secured with grafting tape or a similar binding material and the wound is typically coated with a grafting sealant to prevent dehydration and infection while the graft heals.