Deshojo Palmate Maple Bonsai (74)

Presentation

This bonsai is a Japanese Maple, Deshojo variety (Acer palmatum Deshojo), a deciduous species known for its intensely red buds in spring. The plant is 61 cm tall and is placed in a decagonal pot made of blue glazed stoneware. It is suitable for hobbyists and experts who want a seasonal deciduous tree to work on over time.

Technical specifications

• Botanical species: Acer palmatum Deshojo variety
• Plant height: 61 cm
• Nebari: 6 cm
• Pot: decagonal, diameter 26 x 10 cm
• Pot material: blue glazed stoneware
• Weight: 4.5 kg
• Exposure: outdoor, bright partial shade
• Care difficulty: medium

How to care for it

The Deshojo Japanese maple should be kept outdoors all year round. In spring and summer, look for a bright position but sheltered from direct sunlight during the central hours: the red foliage of the Deshojo variety tends to scorch with too much sun exposure. In winter, protect the roots from the most intense frosts without moving it into a heated environment.

Watering must keep the substrate always slightly moist, never soaked. In summer, it may be necessary to water even twice a day, checking that the water drains well from the pot. In winter, reduce the amount, checking the moisture of the soil before each intervention.

Fertilize from early spring until autumn with an organic fertilizer specifically for bonsai, suspending during the intense heat of summer and during winter dormancy. An excess of nitrogen lengthens the internodes and reduces the intensity of the red color of the buds.

Pruning is carried out during the dormant period, in late winter, before the resumption of growth; pinching the new buds during the season serves to maintain dense ramification. Avoid large cuts in late spring due to the risk of sap bleeding.

Repotting should be done every 2-3 years in early spring, when the buds begin to swell, using a draining substrate based on akadama. Take advantage of the repotting to prune the larger roots and encourage a compact root system.

To learn more about the care of this species, consult the complete botanical sheet.

Frequently asked questions

Why are the buds red and not green?

It is the distinctive characteristic of the Deshojo variety. In spring the new buds and the first leaves are a bright red. As the season progresses, the foliage gradually shifts towards greener tones, and then colors again in autumn. The intense color also depends on correct exposure and balanced fertilization.

Can I keep it indoors?

No. The Japanese maple is an outdoor species that needs the natural cycle of the seasons, including winter cold for vegetative rest. In an apartment it would suffer from dry air and lack of temperature variation. It should always be kept outdoors, with protection only during the most severe frosts.

How often should it be watered?

It depends on the season. In summer it may be necessary to water once or twice a day, keeping the substrate moist but well drained. In spring and autumn the amounts are reduced, while in winter it is watered only when the soil dries out. Always check the moisture before intervening.

Will the plant arrive identical to the photo?

It is the exact specimen in the photo. Since it is a living plant, the foliage may vary compared to the image due to natural growth, pruning, pinching and seasonal changes. In the photo, the typical red spring buds of the vegetative resumption phase are visible.

What is included

• Deshojo Japanese Maple bonsai in a decagonal blue glazed stoneware pot — the exact specimen in the photo
• Plant certificate (identity card of the specimen with species, measurements and characteristics)
• Reinforced packaging designed to protect the plant during shipping