Japanese Maple leaves change color in full sun

Hi IBC folks,

I just purchased a Sharp's Pygmy Jap. maple, however my bonsai benches get a lot of direct sun. So, since then the leaves have changed color from light green to rustic brownish green. I want to know if this will harm the tree in anyway.

I have kept the tree well hydrated, and the leaves are still fleshy and not dry. The only difference is that the color has changed. At the moment I have placed the tree under my benches hoping that the leaves will turn back to it's original green.

Please advise if this is a serious issue.

Thanks,
- S

Hi,

the change from probably being shaded to now in full sun will have hardened the leaves off a lot more I think and now they have gone that way that will be it for this year - they won't turn back to the softer lighter green but the tree wont be harmed. To keep the colour better next year the tree will need dappled shade from the day the buds open I think.

I have found many acers change leaf colour when i get them home - lots are pale yellow, pale green etc in nurseries and it is because they are half starved - once i start feeding them they darken off a lot - while other trees go through several colour changes in one year so a fantastic spring green tree in may is a grotty dull green for the rest of the summer - it is just part of the natural way the leaves go through the season.

My red one has a 6-8 week period of beauty each year, the mikawa yatsubusa probably is totally wow for 2 weeks a year !

cheers Marcus

Thanks Marcus.

I feel a lot better. I will be putting up a shade over my benches next spring to keep my Jap. Maple, Azalea and Hornbeam happy through the summer sun.

Thanks,
- S