A variety of trees can be used for the art of bonsai. The Japanese maple however seems to be among the most popular choices. Aside from its impressive and beautiful foliage, it is also manageable and enduring when properly cared for. The Japanese maple bonsai can come in different types and in red or green. Bonsai experts naturally have their variety preferences but all Japanese maple bonsai varieties have equally exquisite appearances.

Moderate Sunlight

The Japanese maple bonsai is still a live plant and would therefore normally benefit from some sun exposure. You have to remember though that the Japanese maple bonsai has sensitive leaves that could burn and curl when exposed to too much sunlight. The best way to get over this problem is to expose the plant only during times of the day when the sun is not too hot. Winter however is not a good time to leave your bonsai outdoors since the harsh climate could equally be as damaging.

Watering

The lack of water could result in dry soil and a dehydrated Japanese maple bonsai. There is no rule against watering the bonsai plant everyday. You should however only water the plant early in the morning before the sun comes out. Experts believe that water droplets on the leaves could increase the sun's burning power. Others also suggest that water could contribute to leaf burns since minerals in the water could produce a chemical reaction when exposed to the sun.

Prune at the Right Time

The Japanese maple bonsai is basically managed and controlled through pruning. The parts that are pruned are the branches, roots and the leaved with combined internode pinching. Some say that spring may not be such a good time for pruning since this could harm the quality of the plant. The leaves should ideally be pruned in the middle of summer. Roots and branches should be pruned together during autumn.

It is also possible to simulate the autumn effect on a Japanese maple bonsai in the summer. Doing so will produce finer and better looking leaves. The rule for Japanese maple bonsai defoliation is that it should not be done in the same year as repotting. Once you are done pruning you should take extra care to dress the pruning wounds.

Internodes are another thing you should look into. A Japanese maple bonsai would look more exquisite without long internodes. You can make sure that the internodes stay short by pinching branches and taking away blossoming shoots.

Wiring

Japanese maple bonsai wiring is a point of dispute. There are those who maintain that pinching and pruning are enough to properly shape a Japanese maple bonsai. If you really want to wire your bonsai then you should consider doing this when it is not winter and when the leaves are not in full bloom. Winter is a time when your bonsai could be a little fragile.

You should be extra careful though during spring because the wires could damage your growing and blooming bonsai. Late autumn would be a good time to wire your bonsai.