Deshojo Palmate Maple Bonsai (87)

Presentation

This is a Japanese Maple bonsai of the Deshojo variety (Acer palmatum 'Deshojo'), a Japanese deciduous tree prized for the intense red foliage of its spring budding. The plant is 53 cm tall, about 25 years old and grown in a round pot of green glazed stoneware. Suitable for experienced collectors and hobbyists who know how to manage a seasonal deciduous species.

Technical specifications

• Botanical species: Acer palmatum 'Deshojo' (Deshojo Japanese Maple)
• Plant height: 53 cm
• Nebari: 3 cm
• Pot: round, diam. 24 x 7.5 cm
• Pot material: green glazed stoneware
• Age: about 25 years
• Weight: 2.7 kg
• Exposure: outdoor, bright partial shade
• Care difficulty: medium-high

How to care for it

Place the maple outdoors all year round, in a bright position but sheltered from the direct sun of the central summer hours, which tends to scorch the leaves. The Deshojo variety particularly suffers from dry wind and high temperatures: a ventilated partial shade protects the red spring foliage and keeps the colour longer.

Water keeping the substrate constantly moist but never soggy. In summer it may be necessary to water twice a day, in winter much less. Use non-calcareous water when possible: the Japanese maple is sensitive to waterlogging and excess limescale.

Fertilise from spring to autumn with a slow-release organic fertiliser, suspending during the peak of summer heat and in winter rest. Avoid overly nitrogen-rich fertilisation at the start of vegetation, which fades the red of the new leaves.

Structural pruning is carried out in late winter, before the vegetative resumption. During the season pinch the shoots to maintain dense ramification and reduce the size of the leaves. Partial defoliation in summer is possible on vigorous specimens, but must be evaluated carefully.

Repot every 2-3 years in late winter, when the buds begin to swell, using a draining substrate based on akadama. Prune the roots moderately and protect the plant from late frosts after repotting.

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

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why are the Deshojo leaves red?

A: The Deshojo is a variety of Japanese maple selected for the red colouring of its spring budding. The new leaves emerge a bright red, then turn towards green in summer and take on warm tones again in autumn. It is a natural and seasonal phenomenon: the colour changes according to the time of year and exposure to light.

Q: Can I keep it indoors?

A: No. The Japanese maple is an outdoor species that needs the complete seasonal cycle, including the winter rest with leaf loss. Kept in an apartment it declines within a few weeks. It should be placed in the garden, on a terrace or balcony, in a bright position sheltered from the scorching sun.

Q: How often should it be watered?

A: It depends on the season. In summer the water requirement is high and it may be necessary to water even twice a day; in spring and autumn once a day is often sufficient; in winter much less. Always check the moisture of the substrate before watering and avoid stagnation in the saucer.

Q: Is the plant I receive identical to the photo?

A: Yes, the photo shows the exact specimen that will be shipped. As it is a living and deciduous plant, the vegetation may vary compared to the image due to growth, maintenance pruning and pinching and normal seasonal changes, such as the variation in leaf colour and winter leaf fall.

What is included

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