Boxelder Maple (Acer Negundo)

The Acer Negundo is a tree that can reach 20 meters in height and produces a very characteristic hanging flower. In autumn it turns yellow.

They have a fairly large leaf size which makes them unsuitable for small bonsai.

Boxelder Maple Bonsai Care Guide

How should I water it?

It resists drought very well. We will apply abundant watering but letting the first layer of substrate dry between waterings.

Unlike its cousin the Japanese maple, this one withstands hard water containing lime well. So it is a good alternative for people who live in Valencia, Barcelona or along the Mediterranean where there is usually harder water than places like Madrid or northern Spain.

Should I leave it in full sun?

To keep the size of its leaves under control we must keep it in full sun throughout the year. Although in the hottest months the ideal would be for it to have shade during peak hours. One option is to use a 50% shade cloth.

Should I worry about sheltering it during the winter?

It should not be a problem, it is a tree that withstands low temperatures and frosts very well.

How often should I fertilize?

Fertilize when the tree is growing, which is usually in the spring and autumn shoots. We will use slow-release organic fertilizer.

When and how should it be pruned?

We will do it at the end of winter when we see that the tree begins to wake up and prepares to sprout.

Can I pinch the tree?

We can pinch throughout the year leaving a minimum of two leaves per branch, in this way we will prevent the tree from drying out entire branches.

When and how should you wire?

We can wire throughout the year. As it is a fast-growing tree, we must be careful that the wire does not dig in, as the marks do not go away easily.

When do I have to repot and how often?

The roots grow quickly so we cannot space the repots much. When we see that the substrate begins to come out of the pot, we must repot that year or the next before the tree is reactivated at the end of summer or at the end of winter.

What substrate or soil should I use?

We should use substrates that drain easily. Our recommendation is a mixture of 70% akadama and 30% kiryuzuna or 80% worm castings and 20% gravel or pumice.

How can I propagate it?

Cuttings and air layers root very well. We can also do it by seed but it requires stratification.