Deshojo Palmate Maple Bonsai (80)

Presentation

The Deshojo Japanese maple is one of the most beloved varieties in the bonsai world thanks to the intense red coloration that the leaves take on during spring budding — a red that then fades, over the course of the season, toward green tones with bronze highlights, only to blaze again in autumn. This specimen of Acer palmatum Deshojo has a sturdy trunk with good taper for its size, and a nebari that is beginning to show well-distributed roots at the base. A plant that offers different emotions with every change of season, ideal for those seeking an authentic and characterful Japanese bonsai.

Technical characteristics

• Botanical species: Acer palmatum var. Deshojo
• Bonsai style: informal upright (moyogi)
• Plant height: 20 cm
• Nebari: 3 cm
• Estimated age: 18–20 years
• Pot dimensions: 14 × 11 × 5 cm
• Pot material: green glazed ceramic
• Overall weight: 0.9 kg
• Exposure: partial shade, avoid direct summer sun
• Care difficulty: intermediate

How to care for it

Position: The Deshojo maple should be kept outdoors all year round. In spring and autumn it can receive direct sunlight, but during summer it is essential to protect it from the hottest hours — full sun during the middle of the day can burn the leaves, especially on specimens in small pots. In winter it tolerates cold well, but it is advisable to shelter the pot from prolonged frost by protecting the root ball with fleece fabric or placing it in an unheated greenhouse.

Watering: The substrate should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. In summer, during hot weather, it may be necessary to water even twice a day. The Japanese maple suffers greatly from drought: if the leaf tips begin to dry out, it is a sign that watering is insufficient. It is best to use rainwater or water with low lime content whenever possible.

Fertilizing: Fertilize with slow-release solid organic fertilizer from the start of the growing season (March–April) until June, then stop during the hottest months. Resume in September through late November to prepare the plant for winter. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in summer, as they would encourage long internodes and oversized leaves.

Pruning: Structural pruning is carried out in the middle of winter, when the plant is bare and the branch structure can be clearly read. During the growing season, pinching of shoots is performed by cutting pairs of opposite leaves and leaving one or two per twig, in order to thicken the canopy and reduce leaf size. Complete defoliation is an advanced technique that should only be considered on vigorous and healthy plants.

Repotting: Repotting is done every 2–3 years, at the end of winter, just before the buds begin to swell. Use a well-draining substrate — pure akadama or a mix with pumice in a 70/30 ratio works very well. Be careful not to remove more than one third of the root mass to avoid overly stressing the plant.

To learn more about caring for this species, check out our complete botanical guide with all the advice from our experts.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do Deshojo leaves stay red all year?
A: No, and that is precisely its charm. The leaves emerge a brilliant red in spring, then turn green-bronze during the summer. In autumn they color again in red-orange before falling. The seasonal color cycle is one of the main reasons why this variety is so sought after by bonsai enthusiasts.

Q: Can I keep this bonsai indoors?
A: The Japanese maple is an outdoor plant in every respect and needs the cycle of the seasons — including winter cold — to stay healthy. It would not survive long indoors. It should be kept outside, in a bright position sheltered from direct summer sun, on a balcony, terrace, or in a garden.

Q: How often should I water this maple in summer?
A: In the height of summer, with high temperatures, it may be necessary to water even twice a day, early morning and late afternoon. The important thing is that the substrate never dries out completely: the maple suffers greatly from dehydration. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before watering, to also avoid overwatering.

Q: Is this exactly the plant I will receive?
A: Yes, this is a unique piece: the photo shows exactly the specimen that will be shipped. As it is a living plant, at the time of delivery it may show differences in foliage compared to the image, due to pruning, maintenance pinching, or natural seasonal changes. The structure and the pot will be identical.

What is included

• Deshojo Japanese Maple Bonsai (Acer palmatum Deshojo) in a rectangular green glazed ceramic pot — exact specimen shown in the photo
• Plant certificate (identity card of the specimen with species, measurements, and characteristics)
• Reinforced packaging designed to protect the plant during shipping