How to Make a Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree

Master the ancient art of the Japanese bonsai at home using this simple guide

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: May 24, 2022 References Approved

Turning a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing the Maple Cutting

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Take a softwood cutting of your chosen cultivar of maple in early summer. Maple trees are easy to grow from cuttings. Select a maple tree branch that is appealing in shape. The size of the branch can be up to the diameter of your little finger.^{[2]
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- There are many possible cultivars of Japanese maple. Select according to what you're wanting––some will grow larger than others, some have rough bark and some require grafting.
- It's a good idea to take several cuttings; that way, you will be assured that one will take well (sometimes the roots are weak, rot or simply don't form).
- Note that red-leafed cultivars of the Japanese maple tend to have weak root systems and are usually grafted onto other rootstocks. Unless you know how to graft or have someone knowledgeable to help you, it might be a good idea to avoid the red-leafed cultivars until you are more experienced.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Preparing the Cutting

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Cut around the base of the branch where the roots will sprout. Make a circular cut through the bark and into the hardwood underneath.^{[3]
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Make a duplicate cut about two branch widths below the first cut.
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Make a straight cut to connect the first two cuts.^{[4]
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Peel off the bark between the first two cuts. The bark should peel off fairly easily.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Establishing Roots on the Maple Bonsai

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Dust the top cut with rooting hormone or wipe with a rooting gel.^{[6]
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- Keep the moss wet. After several weeks, you should see roots through the plastic.
- Alternatively, stick the branches into a gritty compost of good quality. Keep this compost medium moist.
- Expect roots to form within 2 to 3 weeks if the stock taken is healthy and the conditions are warm and moist.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Planting the Bonsai Maple Tree

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Separate the tree. When the roots start to thicken and turn brown, separate your new tree by cutting it off below the new roots.
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Place small pebbles for drainage in the bottom of a pot.^{[7]
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Peter McMahon, Return to Lilliput, in Growing Today, pp. 30-34, (January 1995)} Unwrap the plastic and without disturbing the roots, plant your new tree, adding additional soil as needed to firmly set the tree in place.
- The addition of sphagnum moss is helpful in hard water areas.^{[9]
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 Colin Lewis, Bonsai Basics, p. 73, (1997)}
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Insert a small stake.^{[10]
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Enjoy your new tree! Find a suitable outdoor area to keep your bonsai, such as a porch, garden bed area or patio. Bonsai are not meant to be indoor plants;^{[8]
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Peter McMahon, Return to Lilliput, in Growing Today, pp. 30-34, (January 1995)} if brought indoors, only keep them inside for a one to two days before returning them outdoors again; only bring them in when in leaf, or only for an hour during winter.^{[9]
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Colin Lewis, Bonsai Basics, p. 73, (1997)}
- Keep the bonsai maple tree sheltered for the first few years. Don't leave it outside where frost can get to it for the first 2 to 3 years, as this can kill it. Avoid placing the plant anywhere windy and do not let it sit in direct sunlight for the whole day.^{[11]
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- Feed a balanced feed after the buds form until late summer. During winter, feed with a low- or zero-nitrogen feed.^{[9]
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 Colin Lewis, Bonsai Basics, p. 73, (1997)}
- Never let a bonsai tree dry out.^{[12]
 X
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 Peter McMahon, Return to Lilliput, in Growing Today, pp. 30-34, (January 1995)} Wherever possible, use rainwater rather than tap water; it's healthier for the tree. Regular spraying with water is helpful for healthy growth.
- Learn to "style" the tree as it gets established. This is where you learn to reproduce what nature normally does, to give the tree the look of a real tree.^{[8]
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 Peter McMahon, Return to Lilliput, in Growing Today, pp. 30-34, (January 1995)} It consists of careful pruning and wiring. Getting this aspect right can take a lot of practice but that's all part of the fun of growing your own bonsai.

Community Q&A

Question

Are there any cheap places from which to get a young tree?

Community Answer

In late summer, The Home Depot has great deals on junipers and Japanese maples.
Question

What kind of climate is most suitable for Japanese maple tree?

Community Answer

Japanese Maples need a period of cold dormancy, so they will not do well in hot climates. If you look outside and see maple trees, your Japanese Maple will thrive. But, if you look around and see nothing but cactus or palm trees, your tree will most likely not survive.
Question

How are the roots trimmed and how often?

Community Answer

The roots are trimmed when you repot the tree, usually every 2 - 3 years. You use a small rake to remove the soil between the roots and cut off about 1/3 of them.

Warnings

If the leaves stay green and fail to turn into colored foliage, this suggests that light levels are too low and need to be increased.

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The new roots are very delicate and can be easily damaged. Use care when unwrapping the plastic and potting the tree.

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Do not remove or disturb the sphagnum moss during the process.

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If wiring the tree when styling it, do not pull tightly. This can damage the tree and scars can take years to grow out or may deform the shape as the tree continues to grow.

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Aphids love the new shoots of the Japanese maple. Remove quickly or they will cause deformed leaf formation.^{[14]
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Root decay caused by overwatering or a waterlogged soil is the main enemy of a bonsai plant. Ensure that the soil has good drainage and don't overwater. If you see water lying on the surface, the drainage quality of the soil is poor and needs replacing.^{[9]
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Colin Lewis, Bonsai Basics, p. 73, (1997)}

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Things You'll Need

A maple tree
Sharp (and clean) knife or scissors
Sphagnum moss - soak it in water for at least 15 minutes
A small sheet of heavy plastic
String
Rooting hormone, available at any garden center
Container with good drainage holes for growing (there are many bonsai container options available at local nurseries and garden centers)
Small pebbles for water drainage at base of container
Suitable soil medium (such as a mix of bark and peat)
Small stake, such as split bamboo canes
Grass or anything for decoration (optional)
Wire for styling or training, along with wire cutters