Lighting: | Unlike most maple species, the Montpelier maple enjoys full sun. Partial shade is recommended in hot climates or during midsummer. |
Temperature: | I couldn't find any reference to this in my library. However, despite its origin in warm climates, this maple survived last winter in Buffalo, on my back porch, when the crazy freeze-thaw cycle killed a number of "hardy" trees. It seems to be tough as nails, and hardy to at least zone five. |
Watering: | The Montpelier maple can withstand dry conditions better than other maples. |
Feeding: | Every three weeks from early spring to late autumn, pausing for a month in midsummer, using a bonsai fertilizer or general purpose plant food at half strength. |
Repotting: | Every 2-3 years. Repot in spring, before bud burst, in bonsai soil slightly rich in organic material. |
Styling: | Pinch back new growth after two pairs of leaves have appeared. Wire from spring to autumn. Care must be taken when wiring to protect the bark. Exposing the Montpelier maple to sun and dry conditions will allow leaf reduction to occur more quickly than is seen in most other maples. |
Propagation: | From seed or cuttings. |
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