Red maple is a small deciduous tree of the Acer family, Acer, and one of the species of Acer. In spring and autumn, the trees are full of bright red leaves, which have very high ornamental value. They are often planted in gardens and courtyards, and can also be planted in flower pots to make bonsais of different shapes. Let me tell you how to grow potted red maples.

1. Requirements for growth habits

1. Lighting

Red maple likes light and tolerates shade, but is afraid of strong light exposure and is suitable for neutral to shaded lighting. Potted plants can be maintained in a place with sufficient scattered light and exposed to the sun appropriately.

2. Temperature

Red maple likes to be cool, and the suitable growth temperature is 18 to 25°C. It can withstand temperatures of minus 20°C, but the cold tolerance of potted red maple plants is worse. , it can be maintained on the balcony in winter.

3. Soil

Red maple does not have high requirements for soil fertility, but potted red maple can choose soil rich in humus, which can help the plant's branches and leaves flourish and improve resistance. . It is advisable to choose sandy loam that is soft, rich in humus and neutral or acidic. Generally, special cultivation soil for red maple is used.

4. Watering

Red maple likes moisture, but is afraid of waterlogging, so the pot soil can be kept slightly moist. Water more during the growing season, especially once in the morning and evening in summer. Water less in winter, once every 3 to 5 days.

5. Fertilization

When potting for the first time or changing pots and soil, base fertilizer should be added to the bottom of the pot. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be used in autumn. Fertilization is required during the growth period, and a decomposed thin liquid fertilizer should be applied every 15 days.

2. Management measures

1. Pest and disease control

The main diseases and pests of red maple are powdery mildew, brown spot, leafhopper, thorn moth and longhorn beetle etc. If timely prevention and control is required, chemical sprays can be used. When the disease occurs, diseased branches and leaves must be cut off and burned intensively.

2. Pruning

Prune in time when yellow leaves appear. In autumn, you can reshape the leaves after they fall. Prune off excess leggy branches, diseased branches, dead branches and cross branches. wait. The new leaves of red maples are usually red. They turn green in summer and turn red in late autumn. If you want the leaves to turn red earlier, you can pick the leaves appropriately in August to promote the growth of new red leaves.

3. Repot and soil

Usually repot every 2 to 3 years, and it is advisable to repot or repot in spring or autumn.

3. Propagation method

1. Cutting method

Pot red maple is usually propagated by cutting method. Cuttings are generally carried out from June to July. Cut out strong branches that are about 20 cm long and make cuttings. The cuttings should be moisturized. Before cutting, the cuttings should be dipped in 1000 mg/kg naphthalene acetic acid for 5 seconds, and then cut into the culture medium. , the substrate should be a mixture of vermiculite and pond mud. After cutting, do not expose it to the sun and keep the soil moist. Roots will grow in about 30 days.

2. Sowing method

Red maple seeds mature from September to October and can be sown in the following spring. They need to be soaked in cold water for one day to induce germination before sowing.

3. Grafting method

In early spring, 2- to 4-year-old maples are often used as rootstocks for grafting and propagation. Bud grafting can also be carried out in late autumn. Usually, red maples that are born in the same year are used. Full and complete buds on strong short branches are used as scions. The leaf buds on the grafted buds should be 1 cm long. When the petioles fall off after 7 days, it means the grafting is successful.