Japanese maples can be grown in the ground, in the garden, but they do just as well planted in containers. Whether you prefer a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety, know that all varieties of this plant can be grown in pots and will provide a beautiful show of color even inside your home. Discover without delay how to plant a Japanese maple in a pot in the following lines. It’s yours.
Here’s how to plant a Japanese maple in a pot
How to plant a Japanese maple in a pot? Everything you need to know for successful container growing
Take into account that the plant must be provided with well-draining soil and a container large enough to allow the Japanese maple to flourish and the root system to develop well.
When transplanting the tree from its original container, be sure to choose a pot twice as large so the plant can grow to its full size. This way it will grow there for several years before needing a larger pot. Remember not to plant the maple deeper than it was in the original pot .
Provide the plant with well-draining soil and a sufficiently large container
Choice of container
Be aware that the pot must have drainage holes and be large enough to allow the plant to develop well. When it comes to material, note that terracotta is generally a good choice. But, if you live in an area where frost is common, it is a good idea to wrap the pot in burlap or cardboard to prevent it from cracking due to frost.
In addition, plastic proves to be a good choice, because it is durable and lightweight. However, it does not protect the roots so well from the cold. This is why it is better to focus on glazed ceramics.
Tips for Choosing the Right Container
Planting
Take into account that experts recommend watering the Japanese maple well the day before planting. The next day, you can proceed to transplantation by following the tips below.
- Put some soil in the pot as a base to plant the tree as deep as it was in the original container.
- Next, remove the plant from its original pot and carefully detach the roots.
- Transfer the maple to the new container and fill it with soil, leaving a space of about 2 cm from the edge of the pot for easy watering.
- Finally, water the soil well until water drains out of the bottom drainage holes.
Step-by-step guide to successful transplantation
Care
Once the Japanese maple has been transplanted, place the pot in a partially or fully sunny location.
Provide your plant with regular watering so that the soil does not dry out completely between irrigations. Check the ground by sticking your finger into it. If the top two inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water.
Consider adding a layer of mulch to help the soil retain water, and don’t forget to fertilize the container-grown maple in spring and early summer. Know that fish emulsion, blood or bone meal are all excellent fertilizers for Japanese maples. Avoid using products high in nitrogen and applying too much fertilizer to avoid burning the plant’s leaves and roots.
Here is the care to be given to the Japanese maple
