Overview
Trident Maple Bonsai (Acer buergerianum) is a vigorous maple with small three-lobed leaves, strong roots and excellent ramification. It is best suited to beginners moving up, root-over-rock, informal upright, broom and forest styles. For UK growers, treat it as: Outdoor.
Placement
full sun to light shade; protect from scorching heat in shallow pots
Watering
keep evenly moist; tridents are thirsty in summer
Feeding and fertilising
feed strongly in development, lighter on refined trees
Pruning and wiring
clip-and-grow works very well; defoliation may be used on healthy trees by experienced growers
Repotting
repot young trees every 1-2 years, older trees every 2-3 years in early spring
Propagation
cuttings, air layers and seed
Pests, diseases and common issues
leaf scorch, aphids and coarse growth if overfed