Japanese maples tend to be used, as this species of tree is traditionally associated with bonsai growing. However, as the art of bonsai growth has evolved, other forms of maple bonsai have come to the forefront, especially in the United States and Canada.
When caring for a maple bonsai, you need to learn about maple trees in general. This will assist you in making the right decisions for caring for your bonsai. Important things that you should learn include the time of year the maple is dormant, what temperatures the maple can tolerate, and what pruning needs done in order to keep your tree healthy. A maple bonsai has the same care rules as a fully grown maple of the same species.
In addition to this, a maple bonsai needs additional care due to the fact that it is grown in such a small pot. Root maintenance and potting of the tree are two aspects not typically dealt with for maples, as these trees are usually grown to their full size. Root maintenance and proper trimming is a requirement in order to maintain the health of the tree. When looking for this information, you should use resources specific to the maple bonsai tree, as typical tree tending does not include this information.
Some forms of maple bonsai do not take well to extremely cold temperatures. If you live in a region where the temperature drops below zero, you will want to ensure that your maple can survive. Frost can damage the roots, branches and leaves of the tree, effectively shortening its lifespan. A greenhouse may be required for storing your maple bonsai if you live in a colder region that goes beyond the normal habitat of these trees.
If you are interested in purchasing a maple bonsai, you can buy seeds, a seedling, or even a full grown tree through an online vendor, or you can inquire about these trees at your local garden or plant nursery.