Trident Maple bonsai are some of the most popular bonsai in the world. Anyone can take care of this hardy plant without too much trouble. They do require a decent amount of attention since they need to be watered frequently. You can be as creative as you want to be with these trees since they handle pruning and wiring very well. 

These trees can be distinguished by their dark green leaves that turn red and orange in the fall. The Trident Maple has three-lobed leaves as opposed to the five-lobed leaves of the similar tree, Japanese Maple.

How to Care for Trident Maple Bonsai

Taking care of a Trident Maple bonsai is not hard at all. They prefer lots of light with afternoon shade. Watering should be done frequently so that the soil stays moist. Feed these trees from spring to summer using a balanced fertilizer. They take pruning very well but wiring should be done with some caution. Pests are rare, and diseases can be easily fixed.

Where to Position Your Trident Maple Bonsai

Trident Maple bonsai need to be placed outside all year long. These trees are in the outdoor category because they need to go into dormancy in the winter. While temperatures must be low in the winter, they need to be protected from frost. Placing them in a cold garage or in a greenhouse will work well in the coldest of winters. 

In the summertime, Trident Maples prefer lots of light. Set your tree in a spot where it can receive shade in the afternoons. Too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves on the tree to burn.

Watering Your Trident Maple Bonsai

Your Trident Maple bonsai’s soil should be kept moist. Watering should be done nearly every day. A well-draining soil is a must. This soil will help prevent over-watering, which is a common, deadly disease in these bonsai. In the winter, water less often since it will be dormant. 

Never water your bonsai more than once a day unless the soil dries out. Checking the soil before you water will help you determine whether you need to water your Trident Maple. Do not let the soil dry out completely, but do not soak the soil.

When to Fertilizer Trident Maple Bonsai

As you may know, bonsai are trees that are planted in shallow containers. The purpose of this type of container is to restrict growth and nutrients. Since the tree cannot receive the nutrients it needs as trees in nature do, fertilizer is needed to keep the tree healthy and strong.

Trident Maple bonsai have a dormancy period, which means they also have a growth period. Fertilizer is used to encourage growth, so it should be applied during this growth period. This is from spring to autumn, March to September. Use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a month. Do not fertilize in the winter.

How to Prune and Wire Trident Maples

Pruning and wiring practices are key to maintaining the shape of the tree. Heavy pruning at the top of the tree will encourage growth at the bottom of the tree. For every five to six leaves, leave two. Remove weak branches carefully in the summer. When roots die, prune them off. Roots are very tolerant when it comes to pruning. 

Do as much wiring as possible when the tree is still young. Do not keep the wires on for too long. Remove the wire during the same season that you applied it. Wire is known to bite into and scar tree branches when kept on too long.

Trident Maple’s Common Pests and Diseases

So long as your Trident Maple is properly cared for, it is unlikely that it will encounter any pests or diseases. If a pest is to attack your tree, it is likely an aphid. Apply a pesticide and your problem should be solved. 

Diseases are much more likely to occur. These include problems that arise due to light deficiency as well as under- and over-watering. All of these problems can be dealt with if discovered quickly. 

If your tree is not receiving enough light, consider moving it to a place where it can receive full sun and little shade.

Issues related to water can also be resolved easily. Simply water when the soil starts to dry out. Do not let the soil dry out completely. 

Those new to bonsai growing will love the Trident Maple bonsai. It is easy to care for, and is arguably one of the most beautiful bonsai species you can grow. You can let your creative side run wild when cultivating this tree by using pruning and wiring techniques. The care of this tree is simple. Water often, fertilize every two to four weeks, and keep the tree outside unless it frosts. Pests and diseases can be taken care of easily. We know you will love caring for your Trident Maple bonsai!

Evergreen bonsai are trees that keep their foliage all year. Their leaves stay green all year as well (unless they are in poor living conditions, but we’ll get into this later in the article!). Common evergreen species include spruce, fir, pine, and cypress. These are perfect for those who can pay a good amount of attention to the tree. They need to be watered every two to three days and fertilized every week or so. In this article, we will be going over everything you need to know to properly care for your evergreen bonsai.

How to Care for Evergreen Bonsai

Your evergreen tree will thrive with plenty of water, lots of sun, and weekly feedings. Most of the evergreen species are very easy to care for, so they are perfect for those who are just dipping their toes into the bonsai world. Pests and diseases are relatively common but can be dealt with by using pesticides and improving the tree’s living conditions. All evergreens are outdoor bonsai, and they should only be brought inside to be protected from harsh light or to be given additional light through artificial light.

Are Evergreen Bonsai Indoor or Outdoor Trees?

In nature, evergreen trees grow in cold regions and in rainforests. As bonsai, they grow best in full sun outdoors. Some can survive in the shade, but full sun is always best for trees from the rainforest. Coniferous trees can thrive in very cold climates, while evergreens from the rainforest are used to warmer temperatures. 

All evergreen trees need to go through dormancy in the winter. This is so that the tree can survive the cold and prepare for growth in the spring. Evergreens may like lots of sun in the summer, but they need climates that are very cold in the winter.

Watering Evergreen Bonsai

All bonsai species are different when it comes to watering. In general, evergreen trees thrive with lots of water and moist soil. Over- and under-watering are some of the biggest evergreen bonsai killers. Avoid these fatal issues by only watering when the soil gets slightly dry. Do not water when the soil is wet, but do not wait until the soil is completely dry. 

Plant coniferous trees in well-draining soil, and plant rainforest evergreens (those found in temperate and tropical zones) in soil that will provide good water retention. Rainforest evergreens love constantly damp soil.

Fertilizing Evergreen Bonsai

Since bonsai trees are planted in shallow containers, their nutrient and water intake is limited. Fertilizer is required for evergreen bonsai in order for them to survive. When using organic fertilizer, you will usually need to apply once or twice a month, while liquid fertilizer is usually applied every week or two. 

We recommend using a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content one week, then a balanced fertilizer the next week. Repeat this process throughout the year, increasing the amount of fertilizer in the spring and beginning of the summer. Feed occasionally in the winter and fall.

Training Techniques for Evergreen Bonsai

Common training techniques used in evergreen bonsai growing include pruning and wiring. 

Pruning is not needed very often. Maintenance pruning should be done as needed as well as structural pruning. Instead of cutting off needles, it is better for the tree if you pinch off the foliage. It is best to prune in the fall right before the tree grows in the spring. Always sterilize your tools between uses to prevent infections. 

Wiring is done by wrapping wire around branches and trunks to bend them into a desired shape. Evergreens need to be wired with copper wires because of their thick branches. Always use caution when wiring your tree. Wire is known for cutting into branches and permanently scarring them if not removed in time.

Common Pests and Diseases in Evergreen Bonsai

Pests and diseases are fairly common in evergreen trees. Many of these problems are preventable and most are treatable as well. 

Common pests that you may encounter include spider mites and caterpillars. To rid your tree of these pests, you can apply pesticides and spray the pests with water. Ladybugs are also a viable option. These lovely little critters are not harmful at all to your tree and will eat away all those unwanted pests! Remember that when there is one bug, there are always dozens more hiding.

Diseases occur when your tree is not receiving proper care. These diseases include but are not limited to over-watering, under-watering, and complications related to insufficient light. To solve your over- or under-watering problem, you must only water when the soil is slightly dry, but not completely dried out. If your tree’s needles are browning, place your tree in full sunlight and out of the shade. 

The evergreen bonsai is the perfect addition to any garden. These trees are easy to care for and so beautiful. Water your evergreen every few days as needed. Fertilizer should be applied every week or so, switching between balanced and high Nitrogen fertilizer. Evergreens respond well to pruning and wiring. Pruning should be done in the fall, and wiring can be done throughout the year. Diseases can be dealt with by improving the tree’s conditions, and pests can be easily eradicated. We know you will enjoy bringing this amazing bonsai into your home!