[Ep-26] A Short Discussion on Maple Mini-Bonsai — Shushō — Key Points for Cultivation

Maple mini-bonsai — Shushō — Key Points for Cultivation

Shushō is a cultivated variety of maple used in bonsai (not a wild variety).

In spring, newly emerged leaves can be very red (the newly appearing leaves are scarlet red — I personally guess this is the origin of the name).

As the leaves mature they slowly change from red to green: green in summer, then gradually from green to yellow in autumn, and they drop their leaves in winter.

It is said that if you want to keep the leaves red all year round, you can repeatedly remove older leaves so that new red leaf buds continue to grow.

In summer, pay more attention to the undersides and surfaces of the leaves for pests and ensure good ventilation; also avoid full, direct sun.

Everyone’s growing conditions differ, so learn to observe.

For plants, when newly brought home they usually need some time to adapt to the new environment. The more the environment matches their natural habits, the faster they adapt. Sometimes because of environmental change, the plant will instinctively speed up its metabolism to adapt, and some leaf drop is normal during this period. Observe the plant’s changes; taking photos to record is also a good method to compare differences after a period of cultivation.

Cutting to the main points:

Although Shushō is a cultivated variety, its care is broadly similar to other maple bonsai.

However, only the newly sprouted leaves are red; once the leaves mature they change from red to green — they are not red year-round.

There are many maple varieties, and the timing of red leaves varies. There are varieties that are red all year, such as Hong Xingxing, but many people mistakenly think leaves turn red only because the tree was planted at ground level or because of seasonal change.

Light:

When maples grow in groups in the environment, although they receive more sunlight, the sunlight is usually diffused among them.

So they prefer bright, filtered light or sunlight with some shade. They can be placed in semi-sunny indoor or outdoor spaces. They like receiving relatively long and abundant sunlight but must not be sunburned; ventilation is essential and they must not be allowed to dry out from sun exposure.

It is very difficult for them to survive in dark indoor environments.

Avoid spraying water on leaf surfaces under direct sunlight, as this can cause sunburn spots on the leaves. Our other article about light: https://www.greencapsulehk.com/post/ep-04-sunlight-full-partial-shade Temperature:

The suitable growth temperature is 15–25℃. In Hong Kong winters they can generally get through safely without much worry.

In winter they can tolerate full-day sunlight, but avoid overly long sun exposure that would burn the leaves.

When the temperature exceeds 30℃, be alert to problems associated with high temperature: low humidity, strong light, and stuffiness.

Water:

The period before winter is its vigorous growth period; at this time the soil should be kept moist — provide sufficient water

and avoid the potting mix drying out.

During the high temperatures of summer, leaf transpiration is high and water demand increases; lack of water easily causes leaf wilting, so you can mist the underside of the leaves. However, the growing medium must be well-draining to avoid waterlogging in the pot, which would cause root rot.

For potted cultivation, pay attention to the soil dryness and decide when to water accordingly. Generally, when the soil is dry, water thoroughly.

(This article mentions watering methods/timing: https://www.greencapsulehk.com/post/ep-03-kokedama-care-essentials)

* Actual conditions may need to be adjusted according to indoor environment and weather. * If possible, we recommend using filtered water or tap water that has been left to stand overnight (to dissipate chlorine/fluorine). * Optionally use foliage plant nutrient solution: during the growing season, once every half month.

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