Crimson Queen Japanese Maple

The crimson queen Japanese maple lives up to its name as one of the prettiest bonsai you can grow. The tree’s leaves are a gorgeous reddish-purple in coloring. Additionally, this bonsai is known as a dwarf tree of the Japanese maple species. As such, it grows smaller and more controlled than other Japanese maples.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore the various needs of the crimson queen Japanese maple. From soil to pruning to potting and everything else, we detail everything needed to help this bonsai thrive.

Crimson Queen Japanese Maple

Here's what you'll find while reading our Crimson Queen Japanese Maple bonsai species guide:

Here's what you'll find while reading our Crimson Queen Japanese Maple bonsai species guide:

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Quick Care Sheet for the Crimson Queen Japanese Maple Bonsai

For a quick overview of everything you need, read the table below. More detailed explanations are found further in the article.

Recommended soil

An akadama mixture with lava rocks and pumice.

Watering

Water at least once a day. May require water more often than once per day. 

Potting season

Every second year. Trim the roots while repotting.

Shaping and pruning season

Trimmable through the year, except for larger branches that need to be done in autumn.

Light

Plenty of indirect or direct sunlight each day.

Fertilizing

Solid organic fertilizer.

Propagation methods

Cuttings, air layering, seeds. Best performed during autumn.

Pests and diseases

Fungal infections and aphids.

How Do I Care for My Crimson Queen Japanese Maple Bonsai

In this section, we walk you through all the steps needed to care for and grow a healthy crimson queen maple. Each area is detailed and covers the various needs of your bonsai.

Best Soil 

The best soil you can use is an akadama mixture with stones such as lava rocks and pumice mixed. This mixture will hold moisture better without damaging your roots. Additionally, this soil drains well.

However, if you can’t get akadama soil, any well-draining mixture will work well for your bonsai’s growth. If you can, adding your pumice or lava rocks is a great idea but needs to be done sparingly.

Watering 

As one of the thirstiest species, the crimson queen Japanese maple requires plenty of watering. You’ll need to water the tree at least once every day, if not both in the morning and evening. In hotter climates or seasons, it’s possible for the tree to need water three times a day, though you’ll probably never need to water this frequently.

It’s best to touch the soil before watering to ensure there’s no leftover moisture that you’re adding on to. Watering too frequently can cause harm to the plant.

Repotting 

You’ll need to repot the tree and prune its roots every two years. While in the midst of this process, we advise you to clean the pot thoroughly as the tree is prone to fungal infections that may cause it serious harm. This process should occur during the growing season to help the tree quickly settle into its new pot.

Shaping And Pruning 

The stronger branches need to be trimmed during autumn; aside from the larger branches, everything else is prunable throughout the year. Cutting leaves, shoots, and twigs will help new parts grow back finer and more delicately. However, this process should only be done once every two years so as to not stress the plant while growing.

Location And Sunlight 

Place in a well-aired and sunny location that receives either direct or indirect light. While morning sun is best, the tree can survive in direct afternoon sunlight. However, this afternoon sun will eventually cause your crimson queen’s leaves to turn green. A good balance of sun and shade will give you stunning crimson leaves.

Fertilizing 

Use a solid organic fertilizer as your main component. If your tree is healthy but needs an extra boost, you can mix in a liquid fertilizer once a week. The most important aspect when fertilizing is to avoid a product with high nitrogen levels, which will cause rapid leaf growth.

Propagation Methods  

Seeds and cuttings will propagate well; air layering may take longer to work but is also a viable option. These methods are best done during the autumn seasons.

Pests And Diseases 

Aphids and verticillium wilt are common annoyances when growing the crimson queen Japanese maple. Verticillium wilt is curable and can kill your tree if the proper precautions aren’t taken. 

Crimson Queen Japanese Maple

Considerations for Growing an Indoor Crimson Queen Japanese Maple 

Growing the crimson queen indoors is entirely possible, as all Japanese maples can be grown indoors with relative ease. However, there’s a major consideration to consider when growing the tree indoors: watering requirements.

Watering Requirements

As one of the most water-needing trees, the crimson queen Japanese maple requires a lot of attention. We advise you to keep the tree in an easily accessible area, where you can water it as needed. Additionally, the warmer the room, the more quickly you’ll need to water the bonsai.

However, be sure to avoid overwatering that can harm your tree and its roots. Finding this balance indoors will be easier than if kept outdoors, as you can more easily regulate your inside climate.

Common Issues When Caring For a Crimson Queen Japanese Maple Bonsai 

Issues are common, and some more than others, when growing a crimson queen Japanese maple bonsai. Pests and the summer sun are two of the biggest irritations you’ll encounter while growing this tree.

Pests

Aphids are a major nuisance to deal with when growing your crimson queen. However, once you take the necessary precautions, you’ll hardly ever need to worry about these tiny sap-suckers. If an infestation does occur, a regular bottle of insecticide should handle the problem in no time.

To avoid an infestation, all you need to do is frequently mist your tree with water. By regularly doing this process, you’ll deter the small bugs. However, even while you do this process, be sure to look for any sign of infestation as a precaution.

Summer Sun

The summer sun will affect your tree’s leaf coloring and overall health. As the sun heats up your tree’s environment, the leaves will slowly turn green instead of their typical reddish-purple coloring. If you’d like to keep the red in your leaves, avoid the summer sun and overly warm climates.

Crimson Queen Japanese Maple

FAQs about Crimson Queen Japanese Maple Bonsai

Sometimes, you’ll encounter an issue you may not be able to solve or a question that isn’t answered by the guide itself. Here are four commonly asked questions about the crimson queen Japanese maple bonsai.

Shaping a crimson queen Japanese maple requires you to use wire to adjust branches and trim where necessary. We recommend a thin insulated wire that won’t cut into your tree’s bark.

The crimson queen Japanese maple bonsai is an easy tree to grow indoors. As long as you have a sun-facing window and provide the tree with plenty of water, the bonsai will thrive without any hassle.

While crimson queen maples can survive in full sunlight, too much sun will turn their leaves green. Additionally, excess sunlight will require you to water the tree more frequently.

The common reason for green foliage on the crimson queen Japanese maple is an increased exposure to heat. Often this comes from an increased exposure to sunlight or warmer climates. Additionally, the afternoon sun can affect your leaf color as well as potentially harm the tree.

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A newcomer to the bonsai world, Jarod Stengel aims to share his experiences with others. Having just one plant and plenty of research, the journey ahead is one to remember. He is looking forward to sharing his adventure with our readers as he applies his bonsai knowledge to his articles and real life.

Jarod

Jarod Stengel

Writer

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