History of the Japanese Red Maple Bonsai

!±8± History of the Japanese Red Maple Bonsai

The Japanese Red Maple Bonsai's origins are derived from the Japanese Red Maple tree. This deciduous tree was first brought to the world's attention when a Swedish doctor and botanist Carl Thunberg drew the tree in Japan and took the drawing with him back home. In the early nineteenth century the Japanese Red Maple would make its debut in England and would be called Acer palmatum. The name was due to the nature of the trees leaves.

These trees are native to Japan, Korea, and China. Japanese Bonsai Masters loved the look of the Red Maple and soon they were at work to perfect the art of making a Japanese Bonsai. China was the first place that practiced the art of Bonsai and soon it developed in Japan in the thirteenth century. Japanese took this new way of gardening to such a status that they soon became masters of the craft. In order to make a full size tree into a Bonsai you have to prune the root of the tree every couple of years. You also need to pinch back any new growth and then remove all the leaves of the tree in the early summer to create the same effect of the Fall season.

To care for a Japanese Maple Bonsai is a very laborious task and takes a love of gardening and much skill. The miniature tree will need constant pruning and daily watering. You will need to fertilize this tree every couple of weeks and every two years it will need re-potting. The placement is very important to the life of this tree as it needs protection from the harsh elements of wind but the rays of the sun to grow strong.

There is a huge amount of dedication and hard work in the caring of the Japanese Red Maple Bonsai. The results are worthwhile though when you glance upon the reds, oranges and yellows that will glow from your tree. The tiny beautiful star shaped leaves accented by the sweeping grace of the branches. The Japanese Red Maple Bonsai has a long life and usually continues to awe generation after generation.