PLANTING IN POTS

Planting In Pots

Planting a Japanese Maple in a pot - Ten Mile Maples

When growing Japanese Maples in pots, the correct soil is key. Using a well-drained soil medium is by far the MOST important factor when growing Japanese Maples in pots. A well-draining soil medium will result in a well-aerated mix, which is so important to the roots of Japanese Maples. Check your local garden center for Pine Bark mini nuggets (also known as Soil Conditioner or Pine Fines), Perlite, and a quality potting soil that does NOT contain fertilizer. One example of quality soil mixture would be: 3 parts quality potting soil, 2 parts Pine Bark nuggets, and 1 part Perlite. If you search the internet about the best soil for potted Japanese maples, you will see a lot of different opinions but one thing they all have in common is a soil that is well-draining.

Step 1

Make sure your pot has drainage holes. A pot without drainage holes will cause water to accumulate and not allow for proper aeration of your trees’ roots thus causing root rot. Root rot is a major cause of trees not surviving.

Step 2

Remove the tree from its container by firmly grasping the tree at the base of its trunk. If the tree does not easily come out of the container gently squeeze the container in several areas to break the soil free from the plastic. After successfully removing the tree from the container very gently loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball.

Step 3

Pour a small amount of your soil mixture into the bottom of the pot. Set the plant in the container and make the necessary adjustments by adding or removing some soil mixture so that the top edge of the root ball will sit ½ to 1 inch below the rim of the container. Backfill with potting mix around the rootball, tamping as you go, until the level of the potting mix is even with the top edge of the root ball. Be careful to make sure the tree is planted at the same soil level it was planted in its original container.

Step 4

Water thoroughly until water starts to drain from the holes in the bottom of the pot. Add more potting mix if settling occurs during watering.

More Tips

  • Use some type of shim under the pot to allow for air space and better drainage.
  • Use the “finger test” before watering. Stick about one inch of your finger into the soil. If your finger senses moisture, do not water your tree yet. When the soil feels dry to your finger it is time to water.
  • Only use “slow-release” fertilizers and then at half the recommended dose. Osmocote 4 Month Slow Release works well. 
  • Only fertilize in the spring or early summer.
  • Morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal, especially for young trees.
  • Although Japanese Maples are very hardy and low maintenance, overwatering and over-fertilizing are the surest ways to “love your tree to death”!
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