What is Maple Bonsai?

A maple bonsai is a maple tree in bonsai form. Bonsai, a word that means "plant in a pot," is the ancient art of growing trees in a limited space to produce certain characteristics. Generally, practitioners of this horticultural art keep the trees relatively small and often used ornately indoors. The maple tree is a popular choice for bonsai, specifically the trident maple and the Japanese maple. The hobby of bonsai trees began in Asia, but is now enjoyed worldwide.

Maple bonsai are a common choice for outdoor gardens. While some care is needed in protecting them from threats of frost or too much sun, they make ornate outdoor additions. These types of bonsai are deciduous and will lose their leaves in the winter, but provide beautiful fall color before they do.

Often grown in cities, Acer buergerianum, or the Trident maple, tolerates pollution well. Many hobbyists like the Trident maple for its thick strong trunk and orange to brilliant red fall foliage. This variety of maple bonsai is sensitive to frost due to the high moisture content in its roots. While it will need protection in colder weather, overall this is a hardy bonsai maple tree. Trident maple bonsai prefer full sun in the morning and cooler months and shade from the intense afternoon sun during the hotter months.

The Japanese maple, or Acer palmatum, has over 300 different species, and most are hardy and resilient to pollution and insects as well. The great variety of species means a large choice in leave style and color. The fall foliage colors range from gold to red, and the leaves on this compact tree have a delicate appearance. Like the Trident maple, the Japanese maple bonsai prefers to be shaded during summer afternoons with full sun the remainder of the time.

Bonsai require more care than an average houseplant. Improper watering is a crucial mistake many new hobbyists make. Overwatering or under watering can be equally detrimental to the maple bonsai. It is important to know the specific watering needs of the type of maple bonsai being cultivated.

Pruning bonsai trees in specific ways will mold the tree into the size and shape the hobbyist wishes. There are several different artistic styles and not all are suited for every variety of tree. Understanding the natural shape and growth habits of the particular tree helps determine the shape or style chosen. Proper pruning and cutting is essential to creating a successful maple bonsai tree.