Bloodgood Japanese Maple

When watering a Bloodgood Japanese Maple, keep the soil evenly moist, and don't let it dry out completely. When the temperature warms up, during the late spring and summer, you may need to water more often. In the winter, rooted trees can usually stay watered once a week, though container grown trees should not be waterlogged. Use rainfall and soil moisture as a guide.

Bloodgood Japanese Maples need partial to full sun during the growing season. Partial shade is beneficial during the absolute hottest parts of summer, and too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Bloodgood Japanese Maples can tolerate full shade, but their growth will be slowed, and they won't display their best possible color. They prefer light, dappled shade.

The Bloodgood Japanese Maple has a wide range of temperature tolerances, and can grow in hardiness zones 5 to 8. In the summer, temperatures should stay between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 Celsius). In the winter, the tree does best when temperatures stay below 30 Fahrenheit (-1 Celsius).

Bloodgood Japanese Maples prefer humid growing conditions. If the air is too dry for long periods of time, the leaves can become scorched and yellow. If the air is overly dry, mist the foliage with a garden hose or spray bottle to mimic humid conditions. 3-5 times a week should do the trick to keep your maple healthy and happy.

A well-draining potting soil is the best choice for Bloodgood Japanese Maples. A general houseplant potting mix is a good option, or combine equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. Add a tablespoon of fertilizer to the soil to ensure balanced nutrition.

Fertilization of Bloodgood Japanese Maples is important to maintain healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, in mid-spring to give the tree a boost of energy. Do not fertilize in late summer or early fall, as this can cause new growth, which can be damaged by cold winter temperatures. Reapply after each major pruning. Follow package directions for proper application.

Japanese Maples are prone to aphids and spider mites, both of which can damage the foliage. Check the plant periodically for small, yellowish-green dots about the size of a pinhead. If you find any, mix together equal parts of liquid dish soap and water and spray the entire tree, paying special attention to the underside of the leaves. Make sure to reach between the branches and spray underneath the canopy. Repeat the treatment every week until the pests are gone. It is also important to inspect the soil for root weevils, and remove them if found.

Repotting should be done every two to three years when the tree is actively growing, usually in the spring. Before repotting the tree, make sure that it is watered thoroughly so that the root ball is light and easy to handle. Remove the tree carefully from the old pot, and trim away any old or dead roots. Place the tree in the new pot in well-draining soil and water it immediately. Let the soil dry lightly to prevent root rot.

Pruning should be done for shaping and to remove any dead branches. Prune in summer or early fall, after the tree has finished its growing season. When pruning, be sure to take off no more than 1/3 of the tree at a time. This will prevent shock and will help your bloodgood japanese maple maintain its beautiful form with healthy growth.

Mulch should be applied at least 1 foot away from the trunk of the tree to prevent root rot and other diseases. Use organic mulch such as bark, sawdust, or shredded leaves to help retain moisture in the soil and discourage weed growth.

Propagation of Bloodgood Japanese Maples is generally done by taking softwood cuttings in the summer after the leaves have hardened off. Make sure you use young shoots, and select cuttings that are pencil width in thickness to get the best results. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone, and insert it into a well-draining potting mix. Be sure to water regularly and keep the soil lightly moist. Rooting will generally take four to six weeks.

Mature Bloodgood Japanese Maples can become top-heavy, and require occasional staking for support. Make sure to prune branches away from the trunk before installing supports. This will allow the branch to grow in the desired direction and prevent the wire or stake from scarring or deforming the bark.

Bloodgood Japanese Maples will enter a period of dormancy or rest in winter. During this period, the tree will stop producing new growth, and the leaves will drop off the tree. It is important to maintain the soil moisture during this time, but be careful not to waterlog the soil. Water the tree lightly, but don't let the soil dry out completely.

The Bloodgood Japanese Maple is not toxic to cats, dogs, or other small animals. It is, however, a choking hazard and should not be ingested.