Japanese maple care guide
Acer palmatum
Also known as: Iroha maple, Takao maple, Momiji
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Japanese maple
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every day
- In a pot, water thoroughly about once a day once the topsoil dries; in midsummer, morning and evening may both be needed.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 2 days
- As it cools the soil dries more slowly; as a guide, water every two to three days once the surface is dry.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 4 days
- After leaf fall it uses little water: about every three to five days once the soil is dry, in the morning of a mild day.
Light and placement for Japanese maple
Give it full sun in spring and fall and, as a guide, light shade out of the afternoon sun and drying wind in summer; it is an outdoor tree that generally declines indoors.
Overwintering Japanese maple
Overwintering guide: −15°C (5°F) or above
Fully hardy: leave it outdoors, keeping a pot under the eaves out of north wind and hard freezes; as a guide, do not bring it into a heated room, since it needs winter cold to bud well.
Fertilizing and repotting Japanese maple
Fertilizer
As a guide, a small dose of slow-release organic fertilizer at the base around February and one more in early summer; feeding after midsummer generally dulls the fall color.
When to repot
Autumn (Oct–Nov), Winter (Dec–Feb)
Common problems with Japanese maple
- Summer sun and dry wind scorch and curl the leaf tips.
- A dried-out pot leaves the foliage crisp and brown.
- Kept indoors like a houseplant, it slowly weakens.
Tips for growing Japanese maple
- Prune after leaf fall, in December or January; cutting thick branches in spring makes it bleed sap.
- Good fall color needs autumn sun and a wide day-night temperature swing.
- Misting the leaves in the evening eases summer scorch and dryness.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
