General
The Japanese Maple is a classic bonsai subject, having been used for centuries. A wonderful variety of cultivars exist. Japanese Maples make elegant and graceful bonsai with beautiful leaf colors in Fall.

Typical Styles
Formal Upright (Chokkan)
Informal Upright (Moyogi)
Groupings (Gohon Yose, Nanahon Yose, Kyuhon Yose)
Double-Trunk (Sokan)

Sun and Temperature
Full sun (in morning or late afternoon) to partial sun. Protect from direct Summer sun.
In winter, protect roots from frost.

Watering
Daily during growing season and warm weather. Avoid watering in direct sun or with high mineral content water. Water very little during Winter dormancy.

Feeding
Once a week for the first month then biweekly until Summer. Stop feeding during height of Summer.

Pruning/Wiring
Prune new growth back to two sets of leaves. Leaf pruning in mid-summer to reduce leaf size (bi-yearly). Branch and root prune in tandem. Keep internodal distances to a minimum. Watch for wire cut and use raffia when possible.

Repotting
Bi-annually in early Spring before buds open.

Propagation
Propagate from seeds (Winter), softwood cuttings (Summer), and air layering (Spring or Summer).

Pests
Few pests except Aphids, mildew, root rot.