Hello All -
I am brand new to this site, and wanted to first say this looks amazing!
I am a beginner to the art of bonsai, but have been extremely interested in it for several years. About 2 years ago I spent a solid 3-4 months collecting information on bonsai, and particularly Japanese Red Maples. Shortly thereafter, my laptop crashed and I lost everything I had collected.
Has anyone here experimented with this tree? I am hoping to get some beginning phase pointers - mainly on what techniques are best to start the growth process for this tree (i.e. what type of soil, level/type of drainage material, types of fertilizers/nutrients, size of pot to initially start the growth, and what amount of sunlight vs shade they require). In regards to the amounts of shade, I remember reading at one point that they do best with sunlight early in the morning, then shade throughout the day.
Anyway, any tips/information/guidance anyone wouldn't mind providing would be greatly appreciated! I can't wait to start the process!

Welcome to the empire.

What would you consider a red maple? So first thing to learn.. Use exact names. Red japanese maple could be a range of varieties.

In general, red maples need a lot of light, grow slowly. Some may be well suited for bonsai (Such as Seigen or Deshojo)

Apologies. I was specifically referring Acer Rubrum

rtmitchell15 wrote:

Apologies. I was specifically referring Acer Rubrum

Acer Rubrum is not a Japanese red maple.

Thanks for all the help!

rtmitchell15 wrote:

Thanks for all the help!

I think we can't give you much help if we don't know the species. Is it a Japanese maple or an Acer Rubrum?

My first endeavor will be the Acer Rubrum, as a nursery nearby carries them. I would like to grow an Acer Palmatum at some point as well, which I will have time to do more research on before then.

Again, thank you.

Reading up on A rubrum makes me think it would not be ideal. It is course growing, and only under the right care will leaves reduce. I *think* I would not call this a beginners tree. Similar, but a lot easier to work with probably, would be a trident maple. Acer buergerianum

Thank you for that advice. Unfortunately, the nursery nearby has sold out of the Rubrum, so I will need to look into something else. If I can find the Beurgerianum, I will go that route. Some Japanese maples are available in my area as well, however, I'm not sure what size is available.

If I have to order seeds for either tree, do you recommend any specific techniques for germination?

I just plant them in regular potting soil whenever they are supposed to be.
If you want them germinated out of season, you have to do more complicated things that seem unnecessary to me (Why bother when you can just wait a few months?).

Ed