Acer buergerianum, Popularly known as trident maple o triffid maple, is one of the most appreciated species in the world of bonsai and ornamental gardening. Its spectacular autumn coloration, the beauty of its foliage webbed and its great adaptability have made this deciduous tree a preferred choice for both experts and beginners in miniature tree cultivation. Throughout this article, we explore in depth the care, cultivation techniques, and essential botanical details to ensure your Acer buergerianum looks healthy and vibrant all year round.
Botanical description and interesting facts about the trident maple
The gender Acer It belongs to the Aceráceas family, with a wide representation of species distributed in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, especially in Asia, although with presence in Europe and North America. trident maple stands out within this large group for its fast growth, the characteristic shape of its leaves and the spectacular range of colors it offers as the year progresses.
Main characteristics of Acer buergerianum:
- LeavesSmall, trilobed (trident-shaped), deep green in spring and summer, with yellow, orange, and reddish tones in autumn. There are dwarf varieties used in small bonsai, such as Miyasama Yatsubusa.
- Cortex: It has a brown-gray coloration, with scales in adulthood.
- Flowers and fruits: Its flowers, not very showy, appear in spring with whitish or yellowish-green tones, and give way to fruits in the form of samaras (two wings), which facilitate dissemination by the wind.
- DoorsAs a mature tree, it can grow to over 10 meters in natural conditions, with crowns reaching 5 or 6 meters in diameter. In bonsai, its size is controlled using specific techniques.
El Buergerian maple It is native to China and Japan, although it is currently cultivated globally both for its ornamental versatility and for its leading role in the art of bonsai.
Varieties and uses of Acer buergerianum
- Variety formosanum: Leaves with less marked tips.
- Ningpoense variety: Blue-green color, more oriented lateral lobes.
- Trinerve variety: Thinner, lanceolate leaves.
Beyond the bonsaiAcer buergerianum is used in the formation of hedges, rows, rock gardens, copses and ornamental plantings. Its multi-stem and abundant branching capacity allow it to be very interesting shapes, both solo and in groups on rocks or in multi-trunk styles. You can learn more about maple bonsai care.
In Japanese culture, it is valued for its resilience and strength, symbolizing perseverance and balance. Its wood, recognized for its toughness, has historically been used to make tools, utensils and even war items, such as spears and boards.
Where to place an Acer buergerianum?
The trident maple requires year-round outdoor cultivation.Although it is an adaptable and resilient tree, there are some key recommendations to maintain its health and beauty:
- Avoid the direct sunlight during peak hours, especially in hot weather, as its leaves burn easily, showing brown edges.
- Prefer one location in semi-shade or bright penumbra, especially during the summer and in places with dry air.
- El dry wind It can also dehydrate and damage the foliage; it is best to protect it from strong currents.
- It easily withstands moderate frosts, but extremely low temperatures (below -10°C) can damage roots and shoots, especially if it's potted. A cold period in winter is necessary for proper sprouting, so avoiding prolonged storage indoors or in warm greenhouses is essential.
- Once the tree adapts to its location, should not be moved unnecessarilyFrequent changes of location cause stress and can affect development.
Watering: How and when to water the trident maple?
El Watering Acer buergerianum It's one of the most delicate aspects of growing a tree, especially in bonsai. Below, we offer a detailed guide to ensure your tree receives the right amount of water throughout the year:
- Water Every time the surface of the substrate feels dry, using a watering can with fine holes to avoid dragging the substrate and damaging surface roots.
- It is fundamental that watering is deep, watering until water runs out of the drainage holes, but avoiding the substrate remaining waterlogged for long periods of time.
- The trident maple does not tolerate droughtIts root system requires constant moisture, but also a well-aerated substrate. If the soil dries out completely, the roots can die quickly, causing the leaves to wilt and burn.
- In summerIncrease watering frequency. In very hot conditions, it's advisable to monitor the tree several times a day and adjust watering according to evaporation.
- En winterReduce watering. If the tree is planted in a pot and doesn't receive direct rain, make sure the soil doesn't dry out completely. Maintaining humidity, but not excessively, is key to dormancy.
- Avoid spraying the leaves regularlyAlthough they may appreciate a certain amount of humidity, too much humidity encourages the growth of fungi and foliar diseases. Spray only as a spot measure, and always apply preventive fungicide treatments if necessary and outside of flowering season.
Important recommendation: Never water after a frost or when the substrate is frozen, to protect the root system from thermal shock damage.
Temperature, sun exposure and climate adaptation
El Acer buergerianum It stands out for its resistance and adaptability to different climates:
- Cold resistance: It tolerates moderate frosts without problems, but in bonsai and pots it is advisable to protect it from extreme low temperatures.
- Sun and shadow: It prefers sunny positions to enhance the color of the leaves, but if the climate is excessively hot or dry, it is ideal to place it in semi-shade during the central hours of the day to avoid burning on the edges of the leaves.
- Humidity: It performs best in environments with high relative humidity, although it can withstand short periods of dryness if the substrate is suitable.
The ideal substrate for Acer buergerianum
The substrate is crucial for good development, both in soil and in bonsai. Acer buergerianum you need a growing medium that:
- Drain quickly, avoiding prolonged waterlogging that rots the roots.
- Sea slightly acidic, although it tolerates other conditions if they are not extreme.
- Allow good aeration of the roots.
The most recommended combinations for bonsai are:
- Mix of akadama (around 70 to 80%) and Kiryu or volcanic gravel (20 to 30%), to ensure moisture retention and drainage.
- Alternatively, a mixture of akadama and river sand or compost with peat and coarse-grained sand.
Sift the substrate with a 1 mm sieve to remove dust and fine particles, promoting root aeration. For more information on choosing the substrate, you can also visit types of grafting in bonsai.
Fertilizing Acer buergerianum: types and recommended seasons
El subscriber It is essential to maintain vitality, leaf density and spectacular leaf coloring of the trident maple. Here are some advanced tips:
- Use slow-release organic fertilizers in spring and autumn, applying the amount recommended by the manufacturer.
- During midsummer and winter, fertilization is not necessary, as growth is minimal or nonexistent.
- Increases the proportion of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) against nitrogen (N) in the fertilizer to promote branching, reduce leaf size and improve coloration and fruiting.
- Never fertilize a newly transplanted tree; wait for it to sprout normally before resuming fertilization.
Transplanting Trident Maple: Steps and Frequency
El maple buergerianum It develops a vigorous root system, which requires more frequent transplanting than other species. Here's the detailed process:
- Optimal moment: In early spring, just before bud break, with the buds still closed but swollen.
- Frequency: Every year for young or developing trees, and every 2 to 5 years for adult specimens.
- Process:
- Carefully remove the tree from the pot.
- Clean the roots of old substrate. Remove all rotten or damaged parts.
- Prune the roots in a balanced way relative to the canopy. As a rule, leave one-third more roots than shoots.
- Use rooting hormones with fungicide if you want to stimulate new root formation and reduce the risk of disease.
- Plant in new substrate and never reuse soil from other crops.
- For the first fifteen days after transplanting, protect the tree from direct sunlight and sudden changes in temperature, ensuring it receives plenty of diffuse light.
Pruning, pinching and defoliation: shaping techniques
La pruning and the pinched These are key techniques in the training and maintenance of Acer buergerianum bonsais. By following these tips, you'll achieve a dense, balanced, and harmonious specimen:
- La structural pruning It is performed after the leaves have fallen, in autumn or mid-winter. Here, main branches that do not conform to the desired shape or that have become excessively thick are removed.
- El pinched This is done several times during spring and summer, especially for vigorous specimens. Young shoots are cut to 2 or 3 nodes once they have matured, to balance growth and encourage fine branching.
- Immediately remove unwanted growth, including basal suckers and branches growing in unwanted directions.
- If you want more compact branching, let the lower branches grow during the first few seasons and prune only what is essential.
- El partial or total defoliation It can be practiced in summer, except on weakened trees. The goal is to reduce leaf size, improve light penetration, and induce a second sprouting, which provides density and vigor.
- Never perform drastic pruning on weakened or diseased specimens.
Important: Always maintain a balanced ratio of crown to roots after each intervention and leave an interval of about three weeks between heavy pruning and transplanting to avoid excessive stress.
El Acer buergerianum It is suitable for multiple shaping styles: moyogui (informal straight), yose-ue (multi-trunk forests), planted on rocks, and multi-trunk styles.
Wiring: How to Shape Trident Maple
El wiring Pruning trident maple is typically done in winter or early spring, taking advantage of the absence of leaves and the flexibility of the branches. Here are some key recommendations:
- Use paper-coated wire to protect the bark, which is sensitive and easily marked.
- Constantly monitor for the appearance of marks. Due to rapid thickening, the wire should be removed before it leaves marks, usually within the same year.
- Don't overload the tree with excessive wiring. Only use this technique when pruning isn't possible.
- In thick or very rigid branches, it is preferable to shape them progressively through successive pruning.
Pests and diseases of Acer buergerianum
El trident maple It is a strong tree, resistant to pollution and climate variability, but it can be affected by:
- Gall mite: Microscopic, it causes reddish or yellow bumps on the leaves. It is not seriously affected, and it is sufficient to remove the damaged leaves.
- Aphids and mealybugs: They suck sap and can weaken young shoots. Remove manually or use biological insecticides only if the infestation is severe.
- Root and foliar fungi: Favored by excess moisture and waterlogging. Perform preventative treatments in spring and fall and improve drainage to prevent its appearance.
- other pests: Red spider mites, caterpillars, and occasionally powdery mildew. Maintain vigilance and apply specific phytosanitary measures if necessary.
Prevention is the best strategy: an aerated substrate, regular watering, and balanced fertilizer maintain vigor and reduce damage from pests and diseases. To learn more about specific pests, you can also consult .
El use of chemicals It should always be the last resort, prioritizing ecological and environmentally friendly solutions.
Propagation: How to Propagate Trident Maple
El Acer buergerianum It multiplies very easily by different methods:
- Seeds: Sow in fall or cold stratify for spring planting. It's recommended to soak them in water for 48 hours before sowing, germinating at a temperature between 10 and 15°C. For successful germination, see the article. maple seed care.
- Aerial layering: Allows you to obtain adult specimens in less time. It is carried out from early spring through summer.
- Woody and root cuttingsCut young stem segments with a heel in late spring or 10 cm root segments. Plant in sandy soil and maintain moderate humidity and heat to stimulate rooting. Rooting hormones significantly improve success.
Propagation by cuttings allows for cloning of plants with desirable characteristics, while layering and sowing from seed expand genetic diversity.
El name Acer It comes from the Latin word "point" or "sharp," alluding to the shape of its leaves and the historical use of its wood. It was once used to make spears and durable tools, as Virgil famously recounts with the reference to the floor of the Trojan Horse.
Its flowers They are an important resource for pollinating insects and bees, from which varieties of aromatic honey are extracted. Some maple species, such as saccharum, are famous for their production of sweet syrup.
El trident maple It is one of the most appreciated species in the formation of miniature forests, hedges, alignments and, of course, in the creation of individual bonsai of great beauty and longevity.
With careful handling and attention to detail, Acer buergerianum becomes a true spectacle of color and structure year-round.
