Buy Japanese maple Bonsai (Acer)

The Japanese maple bonsai (Acer palmatum) is one of the most popular outdoor bonsai trees. This deciduous tree is known for its beautiful, palmate leaves and spectacular autumn colors—from yellow to fiery red. The Japanese maple is a classic choice that thrives in our climate.

Here we present our Japanese maple bonsai range; scroll down for detailed care tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Care tips for the Maple Bonsai

Planting your Japanese maple

The Japanese maple, and also the trident maple (Acer buergerianum), are outdoor trees that need to be kept outdoors year-round. Place your maple in a location with plenty of light, preferably morning sun. At temperatures above 30°C, it's wise to temporarily place the tree in partial shade to prevent leaf burn.

Winter care: The maple is hardy down to about -10°C. Protection is necessary during harsher frosts—for example, keep it in an unheated shed. Important: This tree needs a cold winter period for its annual cycle—so never bring it indoors for extended periods.

Watering - daily attention in summer

Observing watering is crucial. Check that the soil dries out slightly before watering. Never allow the root ball to dry out completely. In winter, water less, but keep the soil slightly moist.

Fertilization for optimal growth

Fertilize your Japanese maple every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with liquid bonsai fertilizer. Or, even better, with an organic solid fertilizer such as BioGold. Do not fertilize in winter. Avoid fertilizers with too much nitrogen, as this will cause unnecessarily large leaves.

Repotting for a healthy root structure

Repot your tree every two to three years in early spring, just before the buds swell and open. The Japanese maple has strong, fast-growing roots. Prune the roots efficiently according to standard bonsai guidelines. Use a well-draining bonsai soil. A mix of Akadama, pumice, and lava rock works well.

Pruning and shaping

Regular pruning keeps your maple tree compact. Cut back to 1-2 leaves once 4-6 new leaves have grown. For optimal, fine branching, you can remove leaves (defoliate) in June, but only do this on strong, healthy trees.

Important tip: Prune thick branches in summer or autumn when the wounds heal quickly. Treat larger pruning wounds with wound paste to prevent fungal infections – the maple is susceptible to Verticillium.

On our informative platform Bonsai Empire you will find even more information about the Japanese maple.

Japanese maple video

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water my Japanese maple?

Water by observation, not by rule. As a guideline, usually daily during the growing season, several times on warm days. Always check the soil – it should never dry out completely. Less often in winter, but keep the root ball slightly moist.

Can my Japanese maple be kept indoors?

No, unfortunately not. The Japanese maple is an outdoor tree that needs a cold winter. It will die indoors.

My maple tree is losing leaves in the summer, what now?

This can be caused by insufficient water, too much sun at high temperatures, or stress. Ensure sufficient water, place it in partial shade during extreme heat, and check for diseases.

When will my maple tree get beautiful autumn colours?

In September/October, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow, orange, and red. For the best colors, the tree needs plenty of light and cool nights.

What is Deshojo, Kiyohime, Seigen, Kashima, Arakawa, Shishigashira, etc.?

These are popular cultivars of Acer Palmatum. In short:
Deshojo - spectacular bright red spring foliage that turns green in summer
Kiyohime - dwarf form with small leaves and dense, compact growth
Seigen - finely believed with beautiful red autumn colours
Kashima - miniature form, perfect for shohin bonsai
Arakawa - the 'rough bark' variety with rough, corky bark
Shishigashira - strikingly curled leaves and compact growth
Kotohime, Kiyo-hime and Katsura – also popular for their fine foliage and suitable growth patterns for bonsai styling.

What about the Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum)?

The trident maple (Acer buergerianum) is a popular deciduous tree species for bonsai, recognizable by its characteristic three-lobed leaves that develop beautiful autumn colors—from yellow to orange and fiery red. This robust tree easily forms fine branching and has attractive, peeling bark that becomes more interesting with age—ideal for creating a mature, natural look in bonsai. In short, just as beautiful as the Japanese maple!

How can I remember what to do and when?

You can download our Bonsai Care App, which is available for free in the app stores. It features smart reminders and allows you to keep track of photos of your tree.

Is the Japanese maple winter hardy?

Yes, down to about -10°C. In harsher frosts, the tree will need protection. Place it in an unheated shed or use a cold frame, but keep it outdoors.

Buy Japanese Maple Bonsai at the Bonsai Shop

At the Bonsai Shop, you're guaranteed a healthy, high-quality maple tree. All our trees are kept in our own greenhouse, and with over 20 years of experience, we know exactly what to look for. With every order, you'll receive comprehensive care advice—not standard brochure talk, but genuinely useful tips tailored to your tree.