Japanese Maple Acer Palmatum Bonsai
I purchased this Acer Palmatum from Sunnyside Nursery in San Anselmo, CA in November of 2007. This maple is native to China and Japan. Its botanical name comes from its leaves, which have 5 or more deep lobes and vaguely resemble a human hand. I’m not sure of it’s age, but I imagine it’s around 5-10 years.
11/30/07 - Fresh from the nursery.
12/25/07 - First stage of styling.
2/18/08 - Leaves are just starting to open.
3/2/08 - Aphids attack! I sprayed them w/ soapy water we’ll see if they return.
3/24/08 - Finally got the aphids under control using a canned Orthanex spray. They did a lot of damage.
4/20/08 - Making a good recovery so far.
6/15/08 - Tons of new growth.
3/30/09 - Aphids came back this year – I was ready w/ Orthanex.
8/4/09 - Working on branches and scar healing.
2/8/10 - Need to wire this one still. Considering putting in the ground for more rapid growth. It has big leaves so it doesn’t get much love.
3/27/11. Planted on top of a tile in the ground to induce rapid trunk development and it seems to be liking it. I figure if I can get the trunk nice and fat it will fall into my good graces.
