Acer palmatum 'Emerald Lace' - Japanese Maple 'Emerald Lace'
General: The Japanese maple is native to Japan and Korea and grows here both in mountain forests and in the lowlands. As a large tree-like shrub, it is often multi-stemmed and the crown usually tilts over like an umbrella when old. The leaves are five to seven lobed and turn bright orange to red in autumn. There are also well over 100 cultivated forms in which the leaves differ greatly in size, shape and color.
Care as a bonsai: The Japanese maple is probably the best-known Asian deciduous tree for bonsai design. The filigree branching with the delicate leaves often gives the bonsai a very graceful and graceful appearance. The bright autumn colors are also an asset to any bonsai collection. A bright location outdoors is important for all Japanese maples. The lighter the plants are, the stronger the leaf color. They only need to be shaded on extremely dry and hot summer days. The maple does not tolerate compacted, poorly ventilated and waterlogged soil. Root or fungal diseases can quickly develop here. The soil should not dry out, especially in summer. So it is best to use a loose substrate and carry out regular root pruning and repotting in fresh substrate in spring. If possible, use rainwater or soft tap water for watering. Avoid hard water at all costs. It is fertilized in the growing season from May to October. In our experience, a topiary in June combined with a leaf cut is ideal. This avoids the "bleeding" of branches, the wounds heal very quickly and the new shoots are not too strong. The newly formed leaves are also smaller and more vividly colored. Wounds should be treated directly with a wound closure agent to prevent the ingress of pathogens. Good frost protection makes sense in winter.
Special features of the variety: The 'Emerald Lace' variety is characterized by a finely slit leaf, which gives the tree a very delicate appearance. The shoots of the fine leaves are yellow-green. In summer they turn emerald green to dark green. If the tree is placed in a sunny position, the fine leaves take on an orange edge. In autumn, the color changes to a purplish red.
