Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Katsura' (P)

Water

Japanese Maple 'Katsura' requires consistent watering, especially during dry periods. It should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. It's best to water the plant in the morning to allow any excess moisture on the foliage to dry during the day. During hot summer weeks, you might need to water twice a week, especially if the soil dries out quickly. In the winter, reduce watering slightly, as the tree will be dormant and require less water. Make sure the soil around the tree is well-draining to avoid waterlogging.

Light

Japanese Maple 'Katsura' thrives in partial shade to full sun. However, in regions with particularly hot summers, it's beneficial to provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. An ideal spot would offer morning sunlight and afternoon protection, which can be found on the east or northwest side of a building or under the dappled light of taller trees. This will ensure it receives sufficient light without the stress of midday heat.

Temperature

Japanese Maple 'Katsura' prefers a temperate climate and performs best when the temperature ranges between 60°F and 80°F. It can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to -10°F to 20°F without significant damage but should be protected from harsh winter winds. The maximum temperature should not exceed 90°F for prolonged periods as this can lead to stress and leaf burn. Providing a mulch layer can help moderate soil temperature and protect the roots.

Pruning

Japanese Maple 'Katsura' benefits from pruning to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is during the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It is generally recommended to prune minimally, only removing what is necessary, to preserve the tree's natural structure. Pruning can also be done in summer to correct any unwanted growth or to thin the canopy, allowing light to penetrate and air to circulate.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Japanese Maple 'Katsura' prefers a well-draining, rich soil mix consisting of loamy soil with added peat moss and perlite to improve aeration and drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for optimal growth and health.

Repotting

Japanese Maples like 'Katsura' should generally be repotted every 2-3 years, although less frequent repotting may be required as the tree matures due to its slower growth rate.

Humidity & Misting

'Katsura' Japanese Maple thrives in moderate humidity levels but can adapt to the typical outdoor humidity in most temperate climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cooler temp, protect from dry heat.

• Outdoor

  Partial sun, protect from harsh winds, mulch well.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA.

Life cycle

The Japanese maple 'Katsura' begins its life cycle when the winged seeds, known as samaras, germinate in favorable conditions, typically requiring stratification to break dormancy. After germination, the seedling stage involves root and shoot development, gradually forming the characteristic palmate leaves that display a golden orange hue in spring. As the sapling grows, it undergoes a juvenile phase, where it slowly establishes a branching pattern and starts to exhibit the tree's typical rounded to dome-shaped habit. Transitioning into maturity, the Japanese maple 'Katsura' reaches reproductive maturity and begins to produce flowers in early spring, which are followed by the formation of samaras that mature by fall. Seasonally, the mature tree displays vibrant foliage colors transitioning to bright yellow and then to a fiery orange in autumn before leaf fall. Eventually, when the plant experiences environmental stress or reaches old age, it enters a phase of senescence, leading to reduced vigor and, ultimately, the end of its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter-Early Spring

• Propogation: The Japanese Maple 'Katsura' can be propagated most successfully through grafting, which is the most popular method used for this particular species. This technique usually takes place in late winter before the spring growth starts. In this method, a scion, which is a cutting from a healthy Katsura tree that includes at least one bud, is joined with a rootstock from a compatible species. The cut surfaces of both the scion and the rootstock are matched together and firmly bound with grafting tape, ensuring a tight seal to prevent drying out. The graft should be kept in a moist and warm environment to encourage the tissues to fuse together. After the graft union has taken hold, typically several weeks later, the tape can be carefully removed, and the new tree gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions. Grafting is highly favored for the Japanese Maple 'Katsura' because it ensures the new tree will maintain the specific characteristics of the parent plant, such as its distinct leaf color and shape.