Acers can be a wonderful addition to gardens with their vibrant red foliage, and there’s a simple way to help them grow bigger and brighter
Acers can be a wonderful addition to gardens with their vibrant red foliage, and there’s a simple way to help them grow bigger and brighter(Image: kornyeyeva via Getty Images)
Acers, commonly known as Japanese Maples, can be a magnificent addition to any garden, bringing vibrant red foliage to brighten up outdoor displays. If you have a young or small Acer in a pot that’s beginning to look a little unruly, there’s no need to worry, as the plant can be effortlessly “trained” into shape.
In a recent TikTok video, gardening enthusiast and content creator Ish shared some invaluable tips for anyone struggling to get the best out of their Acer. The good news is that it’s remarkably straightforward to sort out. Ish outlined three simple steps that any Acer owner can take to ensure their plant produces bolder, brighter leaves in the coming years.
Ish said: “If you’ve got a small Acer like this, and you want it to look big like that one over there, then let me show you how easy it is to do. We’re gonna train this to become a nice potted acer tree, and it’s really, really simple.”
You want to make sure that you give the Acer a slow-releasing feed(Image: Getty)
The first step is to concentrate on the two main stems of the plant. When examining the larger stems where the majority of the foliage is beginning to develop, gardeners should remove any sparse shoots or leaves.
Simply pinch off the shoots to eliminate them, ensuring all shoots are cleared from the stem, as this redirects energy towards the shoots that will become the plant’s primary focus, reports the Express.
Removing the shoots will also encourage the stem to thicken and harden, providing a sturdy foundation for future leaf growth. To guarantee a solid structure, Ish recommended securing cane or bamboo shoots to the branches. Secure them to the branches with a length of string, which will encourage the acer to grow and form a classic tree shape.
Providing the Acer with some structure will stop the leaf-bearing branches from bending and drooping. The final step is to feed the plant, using a specifically formulated Acer feed.
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Acers only need feeding once or twice a year, and late April to early May is an ideal time to do so. Simply take a handful of feed and scatter it around the base of the plant in the soil, then water it in.
Ish said: “A good slow-release feed on an Acer is absolutely crucial; it doesn’t need anything fast, that’ll do.”
You can also refresh the pot with a good quality multipurpose compost. When positioning the acer in your garden, choose a spot with partial sun that is sheltered from strong winds.
He continued: “Now, next year when it loses its foliage again, and we cut away any of the dead stems, train all of the new shoots off and carry it on, and as a result, this will get thicker and look just as gorgeous as the original.”
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