Atropurpureum Palmate Maple Bonsai (8)

Presentation

Bonsai of Atropurpureum Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum), the red-purple foliage variety among the most appreciated for its deciduousness and seasonal color changes. This specimen features a robust trunk with movement and a canopy of palmate leaves. Suitable for experienced hobbyists and collectors who know how to manage a deciduous outdoor species.

Technical specifications

• Botanical species: Acer palmatum Atropurpureum
• Bonsai style: informal upright (moyogi)
• Plant height: 57 cm
• Nebari: 5 cm
• Pot dimensions: 30 x 25 x h. 10 cm
• Pot material: beige glazed stoneware, oval shape
• Weight: 6.8 kg
• Exposure: outdoor, bright partial shade
• Care difficulty: medium

How to care for it

Place the Japanese maple outdoors, in a bright position but sheltered from direct sun during the central summer hours: the red leaves tend to burn in high temperatures. In spring and autumn it tolerates more light, while in summer it should be protected from dry wind and heat. It withstands winter cold, but in areas with intense frosts it should be sheltered from drafts.

Water keeping the substrate always moist, without waterlogging. In summer it may be necessary to water even twice a day; in winter reduce drastically. Overly calcareous water can damage the foliage over time: if possible use rainwater or settled water.

Fertilize from early spring to late autumn with a slow-release organic product or a liquid specific for bonsai, suspending during the intense heat of July-August and during winter dormancy. An excess of nitrogen enlarges the leaves: dose with care to maintain short internodes.

Structural pruning is carried out in autumn or late winter, when the plant is dormant. During the growing season proceed with pinching of the new shoots to thicken the branching. Avoid major cuts in high summer so as not to stress the specimen.

Repotting is carried out every 2-3 years in late winter, before budding, using a draining soil based on akadama with a proportion of lapilli or pumice. During repotting, shorten the thicker roots and check the pot's drainage.

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

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why are the Atropurpureum's leaves red?

A: It is a selected variety of Acer palmatum with red-purple pigmentation in the spring and summer foliage. The color shifts and intensifies with exposure to light and with the change of seasons, reaching bright tones in autumn before the leaves fall. It is a stable genetic characteristic of the variety, not a sign of distress in the plant.

Q: Can I keep it indoors?

A: No, it is a deciduous outdoor species. It needs the full seasonal cycle, including winter dormancy with leaf fall and low temperatures. In a heated indoor environment it declines within a few weeks. Keep it on a balcony, terrace or garden, sheltered from the scorching summer sun and the most severe frosts.

Q: How often should it be watered?

A: It depends on the season. In summer the substrate dries quickly and it may be necessary to water even twice a day, morning and evening. In spring and autumn once a day is usually sufficient. In winter, with the plant dormant, reduce a lot and always check the soil moisture before watering.

Q: Will the plant arrive identical to the photo?

A: Yes, the photo depicts the exact specimen you will receive. Since it is a living and deciduous plant, the vegetation may vary compared to the image due to natural growth, pruning, pinching or seasonal changes: in autumn and winter it loses its leaves, which grow back in spring.

What is included

• Bonsai of Atropurpureum Japanese Maple in oval beige 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