Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Red Pygmy' (L)

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Not blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Hard-care
Japanese maple 'Red Pygmy'

ABOUT

The Red Pygmy Japanese Maple is a captivating ornamental plant known for its unique foliage and stunning visual interest throughout the seasons. It has a delicate and somewhat lacey appearance, with slender limbs branching out to display leaves that are deeply lobed. These leaves boast a striking reddish-purple hue that transforms with the changing seasons. In spring, the leaves emerge with a vibrant and fiery tone, softening to a more subdued burgundy in the summer, and finally putting on a spectacular display of bright crimson or scarlet in the fall. Beyond the foliage, the bark of this Japanese Maple provides a subtle contrast with its smooth texture and grayish color, giving the plant a sophisticated look even in winter when the leaves have fallen. The Red Pygmy's overall form is graceful and often slightly asymmetrical, giving it a natural and artistic presence in any garden setting.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Sapindaceae

    • Synonyms

      Red Pygmy Japanese Maple, Dwarf Red Japanese Maple

    • Common names

      Acer palmatum 'Red Pygmy'.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Japanese maple (Acer palmatum 'Red Pygmy') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning expected from ingesting parts of this plant. It is commonly planted in gardens and public spaces for ornamental purposes and does not pose a risk of toxicity when touched or accidentally ingested in small quantities.

    • To pets

      Japanese maple is also considered non-toxic to pets. There should be no harmful consequences if pets such as dogs or cats ingest leaves or other parts of the plant. As with humans, the Japanese maple is safe for pets and doesn't usually cause any symptoms of poisoning upon ingestion.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Red

    • Height

      6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)

    • Spread

      4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)

    • Plant type

      Tree

    • Hardiness zones

      5-8

    • Native area

      Japan

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Aesthetic Appeal: Acer palmatum 'Red Pygmy', commonly known as Japanese Maple, offers striking red foliage that adds color and visual interest to gardens.
    • Seasonal Interest: This plant provides year-round interest with its changing leaf colors, including vibrant autumn shades and attractive bark in the winter.
    • Size: Being a dwarf variety, it is suitable for small gardens or limited spaces, as it doesn't grow as large as other maple trees.
    • Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, offering flexibility in garden design.
    • Canopy: The tree's canopy creates a cooling effect and can offer a shaded area in the garden during hot summer months.
    • Habitat Support: It can serve as a habitat and food source for various birds and insects, thus promoting local biodiversity.
    • Low Maintenance: Japanese Maples require minimal pruning and are generally low maintenance, making them suitable for busy gardeners.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Photography and art inspiration: The Red Pygmy Japanese Maple's vibrant colors and unique forms can serve as a stunning subject for photographers and artists looking to capture natural beauty and seasonal changes.
    • Culinary decoration: The striking red leaves can be used as a natural garnish for plating, adding an element of elegance and color to gourmet dishes.
    • Fashion design: The tree's distinctive leaf shape and color can inspire patterns and motifs in clothing and textile designs.
    • Education: The plant can be used in botany classes to teach students about leaf morphology, plant taxonomy, and the lifecycle of deciduous trees.
    • Feng Shui: In the practice of Feng Shui, the Red Pygmy Japanese Maple can be utilized to add balance and positive energy to a garden space, particularly within the wood element which symbolizes growth and vitality.
    • Theme gardens: The plant can be an essential element in creating Japanese themed gardens, providing authenticity and harmony within the design.
    • Miniature crafting: The small, detailed leaves can be used as models or inspiration for creating miniature trees for model railroads or fairy gardens.
    • Creative gift: A sapling of the Red Pygmy Japanese Maple can be given as a unique and long-lasting gift for gardeners or nature enthusiasts.
    • Landscape photography tutorials: The tree’s growth and color changes throughout the seasons make it an excellent subject for teaching techniques in landscape photography, such as color balance and composition.
    • Relaxation and mindfulness: The serene beauty of the Red Pygmy Japanese Maple can be incorporated into meditation gardens or spaces designed for relaxation and contemplation.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Japanese Maple is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Japanese Maple is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Beauty and Elegance: The Japanese Maple, with its delicate and vibrant red leaves, is often associated with beauty and aesthetic elegance. It's a common symbol in art and garden design, representing grace and beauty in nature.
    • Peace and Tranquility: In Japanese culture, the maple tree, or momiji, is seen as a harbinger of peace. Its serene presence in gardens is thought to create a tranquil environment that fosters calm and relaxation.
    • Change and Transition: The Japanese Maple is famous for its seasonal color changes. Thus, it symbolizes the inevitability of change in life and the beautiful transitions that come with the passing of time.
    • Balance and Harmony: Its balanced growth pattern and the harmonious spread of its leaves make it a symbol for balance and harmony, principles highly regarded in many Asian cultures.
    • Endurance and Patience: Due to its ability to withstand various climates and conditions, the Japanese Maple also represents endurance and the patience needed to grow and thrive over time.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Early spring
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    Japanese Maple 'Red Pygmy' prefers consistent moisture and should be watered regularly. During the growing season, from spring to early fall, it may need water once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to provide deep watering that reaches the roots. Each week, aim to provide a total of about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for a young tree, adjusting the amount as the tree matures and according to rainfall. During winter, reduce watering but ensure that the soil doesn't completely dry out.

  • sunLight

    Japanese Maple 'Red Pygmy' thrives in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should be planted where it can get protection from harsh afternoon sunlight which can scorch its delicate leaves. A location with morning sun and afternoon shade is often considered ideal for this plant.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Japanese Maple 'Red Pygmy' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -20°F and is comfortable in summer temperatures up to 90°F. However, the ideal temperature for optimal growth is between 60°F and 80°F.

  • scissorsPruning

    Japanese Maple 'Red Pygmy' should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged branches, to enhance its natural shape, or to maintain a smaller size. The best time for pruning is during the late winter to early spring when the tree is dormant. Pruning once a year is generally sufficient, but light touch-ups can be done in summer if necessary.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The Japanese Maple 'Red Pygmy' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with equal parts of loamy soil, peat, and perlite or sand. The ideal soil pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 for optimum growth.

  • plantRepotting

    Japanese Maples, including 'Red Pygmy', should generally be repotted every two to three years to ensure they have enough space to grow and to refresh the soil nutrients. It is best to repot in the late winter just before the spring growth begins.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    'Red Pygmy' Japanese Maple prefers average humidity levels. It can thrive in the natural outdoor humidity, but if grown indoors, it should not be in an overly dry environment. Aiming for a humidity level of around 40-60% is ideal for this plant.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place 'Red Pygmy' in bright, indirect light indoors, protect from dry heat.

    • Outdoor

      Plant 'Red Pygmy' in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.

    • Hardiness zone

      5-8 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The life of 'Red Pygmy' Japanese Maple begins with germination, where the seed, if stratified properly, will sprout in spring. The seedling stage follows, characterized by initial leaf development and establishment of a root system. As the plant enters the juvenile stage, it starts to develop the classic palmate leaves and may begin to exhibit some of the red coloration for which it is known, though full color development typically occurs in later maturity. When mature, the 'Red Pygmy' reaches its full height of about 6-8 feet, displaying its distinctive red foliage and branching structure; this stage can last for several decades with proper care. Throughout its life, the maple will experience annual cycles of growth in the spring and summer, followed by dormancy in the fall and winter when leaves may turn brighter red before dropping. Finally, as the plant ages, it may show signs of decline such as reduced vigor, fewer leaves, and dead branches before eventually dying.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Early spring

    • The Japanese Maple 'Red Pygmy' is best propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still flexible but beginning to mature. To propagate, cut a piece of stem about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, with at least two or three sets of leaves, making the cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes. Then, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the exposed nodes are buried. Keep the soil moist and the environment humid by covering the cutting with a clear plastic bag or placing it in a miniature greenhouse. With proper care and conditions, the cutting should develop roots within a few weeks, after which it can be transferred to a larger pot or the garden.