How to defoliate a red maple bonsai: do this and its ornamental value will be superb!

Defoliation method

Defoliation

For red maples, whether large trees or small and medium potted plants, it is generally best to defoliate before the peak autumn viewing period arrives. Defoliating large trees is very inconvenient, so today we will explain the method and process for removing leaves from a red maple bonsai. Around early August each year, all the leaves on the red maple plant can be removed. If you do not mind the trouble during the operation, you can remove the petioles together with the leaves. If you have the time and energy, this treatment is recommended.

Pruning

While removing the leaves from the branches, you can conveniently clean up some old, weak, diseased and dead branches at the same time, giving your red maple a thorough housecleaning. This not only makes it more beautiful for autumn viewing, but also reduces a lot of work for winter pruning.

Care

About on the third day after completing all the defoliation operations, some new leaf buds will slowly sprout. At this time, the most important thing is for growers to promptly replenish some nutrients and fertilizer for the plant, preferably a compound fertilizer, as this will help the leaves sprout more abundantly and grow faster.

Time for leaves to sprout

The three days mentioned earlier refers to the sprouting of young buds when the petioles have been removed. When the petioles are not removed, the young buds sprout in about ten days. At first they may be slower and smaller, but after a while they naturally return to normal speed.

From complete removal to complete sprouting takes only three to four weeks, and almost all the leaves will unfurl, still in a fiery red color, very beautiful and spectacular.