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Vine maple - Acer circinatum
General information: As bonsai, the vine
maple is in its infancy. Like many other species, the vine maple
has its pros and cons. Proponents of the vine maple love the
shape and autumn color of the leaves. Other advantages of the
vine maple are its availability, low cost and longevity. It will
bud back readily, and the leaves will reduce to one inch. However,
new growth on the vine maple tends to be leggy, which means that
constant pruning to avoid long internodes is a must. Difficulty
in increasing the trunk diameter of vine maple has also been
reported.
Lighting:
In general, maples are subject to leaf burn, and prefer at least
partial shade.
Temperature:
Vine maple show less cold hardiness than many other maples. Although
vine maple survival at -30F has been reported, it is probably
better to stick with the safe recommendation of never below -10.
Watering:
Moderate. Reduce watering in winter, but keep soil evenly moist.
Feeding:
Every two weeks in summer, using a standard bonsai food or half-strength
plant food. Time-released pellets are also an option.
Pruning and wiring:
Pinch back new growth after two pairs of leaves have appeared.
Propagation:
From seed, softwood cuttings or air-layering.
Repotting:
Every 2-3 years. Repot in spring, before bud burst, in bonsai
soil slightly rich in organic material.
Bibliography:
Herb Gustafson "Bonsai Workshop," and "Miniature
Bonsai."
Compiled by Sabrina Caine
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