How To Grow Japanese Maple In Container?

Maple plant can be a good option to grow in the home as it is beautiful as well as can be easily grown even in containers. Maples are known worldwide for their colorful beautiful leaves which excite the brain. That’s why we write this article, particularly on “how to grow Japanese maple in container?“



Maple leaves can also be used for decorating purposes. These are fast-growing plants. Even their leaves look more fascinating when they are scattered on the ground.

Nature’s beauty plays a specific role in our life. It is considered that beautiful surroundings can convert our bad mood into a happy one. It is the best medicine for dealing with anger and stress.


When people get attracted towards nature in the morning then, they feel happy and stay energetic the whole day, that’s why one should always grow flowers, plants, etc. to enhance the beauty and environment of their surroundings.

There are almost more than 100 varieties of Maples found all over the world such as Hornbeam maple, Bigleaf maple, Hedge maple, Amur maple, Paperback maple, Japanese maple, and many more. For now, let’s focus on how to grow Japanese Maple in containers.

Growing Japanese Maple In Container

Japanese Maple, scientifically known as “Acer Palmatum” is a species of maple with colorful leaves that are found in Asia, Japan, Korea, China, etc. It doesn’t require rocket science to be grown.  It can be easily grown by anyone.

What is Japanese Maple?

There are many choices available in terms of varieties of Japanese Maple. It is having its own unique character, adding beauty to nature with its beautiful leaves. It is different from other maples because its leaves change color according to the season and temperature. Its height can rise up to 50-60 feet.

How does the Japanese Maple different from other Maples?

Basically, its leaves are red in color but sometimes they are visible in green color also. It is easy to grow because it can be sown by seeds. The best time to grow seeds is during winters because it requires moderate temperature for its proper growth. Direct sunlight for a long time is very harmful to the plant.


It grows well in proper sunlight but it should be provided in a limited quantity. We can get seeds from this plant after 4 years which are used to grow more Japanese maples. This plant grows well where the weather conditions are cool but it can also be grown in different climatic conditions.


It is necessary to provide some more care to the plant whenever it is grown in opposite weather requirements than needed. A proper shed should also be given to save the plant (during its initial growth stages) from sunlight.


More sunlight can make the leaves dry which may look clumsy. But it doesn’t mean that this plant doesn’t need sunlight, proper sunlight for a limited time enhances the growth.

Can Japanese Maples Be Grown In Containers?

Talking about whether Japanese Maples can be grown in containers or not. Well, the answer is yes. Even this quality of this plant makes it different from others. But it isn’t that much easy a task as it appears.


Obviously, growing a tree in a container can’t be taken as something easy. But it isn’t that tough also. Every kind of evergreen & deciduous tree can be grown in containers easily and as Japanese Maple is a deciduous one, so it can also be grown easily.


For growing Japanese Maple: a large container, good potting soil, and filtered sunlight in limited quantity are required. With hundreds of species available, it’s a little bit difficult to decide on which one to be sown. For overcoming that difficulty, one should go with dwarf or semi-dwarf species. And for taller ones, it doesn’t require annual pruning.

Best soil for Japanese Maple in Container

Japanese Maple can be grown in many types of soils. Generally, loose soil with 40% fine silt or sand, 20% peat moss, and 40% organic compost is recommended for growing it properly.


In the case of clayey soil, the plant has to be sown 2 to 4 inches shallower than the root ball and it requires less water. Outdoor growing is more suitable than indoors for this plant.


There’s one more specialty of the Japanese Maple that it is adaptable to a wide range of climates in many countries. Being cold-hardy trees, they can’t tolerate too much cold and may get devastated due to so. That’s why they should be protected from harsh winters for their proper growth.

Caring for Japanese Maple in Container

It can be grown in a pot, but for best results choose one which grows to a maximum of 10 feet or less. A well-drained pot should be taken and its size should be moderate as large containers may cause health hazards to the plant which would not result in a good yield.


They shouldn’t be watered a lot as it may lead to the discharge of nutrients from the drainage holes. If the pot appears to be small in size after growing and the plant appears to become root-bound, then it should be repotted in a large container.

Fertilizing Maple Plant in Container

Fertilizers play a very crucial role in the growth of plants. They boost and maintain growth. During the time of sowing, one should use natural compost i.e., cow dung. The quantity of compost should be 20% of the tilted soil for better results.


It requires fertilizers after every 3 months in form of cow dung or vegetable and fruit peels. Soil should also be enriched with proper nutrients. Well-drained sandy soil is considered best for the maple.


During the spring season, low-nitrogen fertilizers are suggested to be used, but not in summers as they can lead to fall color and can make the plant tough as it stays in winters. Instead of this, it’s better to wait for fertilizing the plant until its next growing season.


Proper watering and proper cutting should also be done to ensure the longtime survival of the plant. It requires more water during the summers as compared to other seasons. Water should be provided in abundance to keep the plant healthy and to avoid over-floating.

Unlike other plants, it doesn’t suffer that much from the harm caused by insects. It has the inner ability to fight from them. But there are some exceptions also. Mites and some pests like aphids, scale, borers, and root weevils can be troublesome for the maple. For preventing the plant from the diseases caused by these creatures, the most commonly known method of using pesticides and insecticides can be used. It would for sure result in providing a better yield of the Japanese maple.


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