Red Flamingo Maple Acer 'Red Flamingo' (v)

Water

The Red Flamingo Maple prefers consistent moisture, so water deeply and thoroughly when the top inch of the soil starts to dry out, which is typically once a week. During hot weather or in well-drained soil, it may require watering twice a week. Provide the Red Flamingo Maple with about 2 gallons of water per watering session to ensure it reaches the root zone. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant's growth slows down and its water requirements decrease. The goal is to maintain evenly moist soil without waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the tree's health.

Light

The Red Flamingo Maple thrives in a spot with full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but should be protected from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. A location with dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal to maintain the vibrant colors of the foliage.

Temperature

The Red Flamingo Maple flourishes in a temperate range between 60°F and 80°F but can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 85°F. Extreme temperatures beyond these limits can cause stress to the plant. The ideal temperature for robust growth and vivid foliage is on the cooler end of the spectrum to replicate its natural woodland habitat.

Pruning

Pruning the Red Flamingo Maple is necessary to maintain its shape, encourage robust growth, and remove any dead or damaged limbs. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thinning out crowded branches every few years helps to improve air circulation and light penetration throughout the canopy. Prune sparingly to maintain the tree's natural habit and avoid cutting into the thicker, older branches which may not heal as readily.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Red Flamingo Maple thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. The best soil mix for this plant consists of loamy soil, peat, and sand or perlite to enhance drainage. Organic matter such as compost can also be added to provide nutrients and improve the soil structure.

Repotting

Red Flamingo Maples, being outdoor shrubs, do not typically require repotting. Instead, ensure they are planted in a suitable location where they can grow without being moved, as they can become quite large and are not typically kept in containers long-term.

Humidity & Misting

Red Flamingo Maples prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to various conditions outside. They do not require specific humidity levels when grown outdoors in their appropriate hardiness zones.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, avoid heat sources, ensure good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, partial to full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Acer 'Red Flamingo', commonly known as Red Flamingo Maple, begins its life cycle as a seed, requiring stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, characterized by its distinct variegated red-pink and green foliage. As it develops into a young sapling, the plant requires adequate sunlight and water to establish a strong root system. Through the juvenile phase, the Red Flamingo Maple experiences rapid growth, maturing into a tree with a distinctively colorful and variegated leaf pattern, which is especially vibrant in the spring. Reaching maturity, the tree produces flowers that lead to the formation of samaras, or winged seeds, which are dispersed by wind, perpetuating the cycle. In its mature phase, the Red Flamingo Maple enters a period of reproductive stability where it will annually produce seeds and exhibit seasonal leaf changes until the end of its lifespan.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Acer 'Red Flamingo', commonly known as the Variegated Snakebark Maple, is typically propagated by softwood cuttings taken in early summer when the new growth is still tender. To do this, a grower would select a healthy branch and cut a piece about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length, making sure it contains at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, often with the aid of a heating mat or in a warm environment to maintain a consistent temperature that supports root growth. It's essential to keep the soil moist and the cuttings in a bright, indirect light setting until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. The young plants are then gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being transplanted into their final location.