Maple bonsai Palmato atropurpureum (10)

Presentation

The Atropurpureum Palmate Maple Bonsai (Acer palmatum) is a deciduous specimen with purple-red foliage, 44 cm tall and with a 13 cm nebari. It has an estimated age of about 25 years and is suited to collectors and experienced hobbyists who want to manage a demanding seasonal species.

Technical characteristics

• Botanical species: Acer palmatum Atropurpureum
• Plant height: 44 cm
• Nebari: 13 cm
• Pot: oval, beige glazed stoneware
• Pot dimensions: 31 x 25 x h. 9.5 cm
• Estimated age: about 25 years
• Weight: 7.5 kg
• Exposure: outdoor, filtered light
• Care difficulty: medium-high

How to care for it

The palmate maple should be kept outdoors all year round, in a bright position but sheltered from direct sun during the hottest summer hours, which burns the thin leaves. Cool partial shade preserves the red color of the foliage and prevents dehydration of the margins.

Watering must be regular: the substrate must never be allowed to dry out completely. In summer it may be necessary to water even twice a day, while in winter it is greatly reduced. Water that is too calcareous over time penalizes the species, so rainwater or low-hardness water is preferable.

Fertilize from early spring until autumn with specific organic bonsai fertilizer, suspending during extreme summer heat and in winter rest. Avoid excess nitrogen, which enlarges the leaves too much and loosens the fine ramification.

Pruning of the twigs is done in late winter, before budding; during the growing season the new shoots are pinched to maintain the compact structure of the canopy. Large cuts should be protected with sealing paste to limit sap bleeding.

Repotting is carried out every 2-3 years in late winter, with draining akadama-based substrate. The roots should be shortened with moderation so as not to compromise recovery. After repotting, keep the plant sheltered from cold wind for a few weeks.

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

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do the leaves always stay red?
A: The Atropurpureum variety produces intense purple-red foliage in spring. With summer heat and in shade conditions, the color may shift towards darker or bronzed tones. In autumn the leaves take on new shades before the winter drop, since this is a deciduous species.

Q: Can I keep it indoors?
A: No, the palmate maple is an outdoor plant that needs the natural cycle of the seasons, including the winter cold for vegetative rest. Keeping it in an apartment weakens it progressively. It should be placed in a garden, terrace or balcony, sheltered from direct summer sun and freezing wind.

Q: Why do the leaf margins dry out?
A: This phenomenon is typical of the palmate maple and is almost always caused by excess direct sun, dry wind or insufficient watering. The thin leaves of this species are sensitive. Move the plant to cool partial shade during summer and keep the substrate constantly moist without stagnation.

Q: How often should it be repotted?
A: For a specimen of this age, repotting is done on average every 2-3 years, in late winter before the vegetative resumption. Draining akadama-based substrate is used and the roots are lightly pruned. A well-executed repotting renews the absorption capacity and keeps the plant healthy.

What is included

• Atropurpureum Palmate Maple Bonsai in oval beige 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