Acer campestre

The Acer campestre bonsai should be grown outdoors, where it can receive plenty of light during the day. During the summer, it is advisable to protect it during the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest to avoid burning the leaves, which are particularly sensitive. In autumn, it is characterized by a beautiful golden yellow color, which only fully develops if the plant has received sufficient light. In winter, being a deciduous and hardy species, it is resistant to the cold, but it is advisable to protect it from intense frosts, especially if grown in small or shallow pots.

The common rule of watering whenever the soil feels dry to the touch is also ideal for maple trees, bearing in mind, however, that during hotter periods and in strong winds, more frequent watering is required. In fact, in these cases, the soil often risks becoming completely dry. It is also important to bear in mind that both a lack of water and excess water can cause serious damage to the plant. More specifically, a lack of water causes the leaves to wilt and stunted growth, while excess water causes the tips of the leaves to turn black.

Repotting should be done every 2 or 3 years, preferably in early spring, just before the growing season begins. This allows you to renew the substrate and control the development of the root system. During repotting, you can prune up to a third of the roots, removing any that are damaged or too long. The ideal soil is light, well-drained, and slightly acidic or neutral. After repotting, it is important to keep the plant in partial shade for a few days and limit initial fertilization.

Pruning Acer campestre bonsai is essential for defining the structure of the tree and promoting harmonious growth. Structural pruning is best done in late fall or early spring, when the plant is dormant or just starting to grow again. During this phase, it is possible to cut larger branches and remove those that are crossed, too vigorous, or poorly positioned. Light maintenance pruning, on the other hand, can be done during the growing season to guide the development of the canopy. It is important to use sharp, disinfected tools to avoid damaging the tissue and, after each major cut, apply a healing sealant to prevent infection. Pruning carried out judiciously helps to enhance the balance between the trunk, branches, and roots, which are essential elements in the aesthetics of bonsai.

Pinching is essential to keep the foliage compact and encourage good, fine branching. It should be done regularly during the growing season, from spring to summer. When a new shoot has produced 5 or 6 leaves, it can be shortened, leaving only 2 or 3, depending on the desired shape. This technique helps to maintain proportionate growth and stimulates the production of new shoots. It is also possible to carry out partial defoliation in early summer to reduce the size of the leaves and improve fine branching.

Aluminum or copper wire can be used to shape the branches and define the structure of the bonsai. However, the branches of the field maple are quite fragile and must be bent with extreme caution to avoid breakage. The best time to apply the wire is in early spring or fall, when sap flow is less active. It is important to check the wire frequently, especially during active growth, to prevent it from marking or damaging the bark. Alternatively, growth can be guided with tie rods, which are less invasive.

Regular fertilization is essential to keep Acer campestre healthy and vigorous. It is advisable to start fertilizing in spring, once growth has resumed, until late autumn, suspending during the winter months and the hottest summer months. In spring, it is useful to use a fertilizer with a good percentage of nitrogen to stimulate vegetative growth, while in autumn it is better to opt for fertilizers with phosphorus and potassium to strengthen the structure of the plant. Both slow-release solid fertilizers and liquid fertilizers can be used.

The field maple is a hardy and adaptable bonsai, but it needs some care to stay healthy. It is important to ensure good air circulation around the foliage to prevent fungal attacks, such as powdery mildew, to which it can be susceptible. Aphids and scale insects can also appear in spring, especially on tender shoots: they should be treated promptly with specific products or natural methods. In autumn, leaf fall is normal and should not be interpreted as a sign of distress. During winter, light protection from the most intense frosts can help preserve the most exposed roots.