I have these JMs coming. Order is between Mr.Maple and Maole Ridge.

Autumn Moon
Emmets Pumpkin
Beni Kawa
Sango Kaku
Purple Ghost

My question is, are there any good books specifically on the subject of Japanese Maples?

Nhra_20 said:I have these JMs coming. Order is between Mr.Maple and Maole Ridge.

Autumn Moon
Emmets Pumpkin
Beni Kawa
Sango Kaku
Purple Ghost

My question is, are there any good books specifically on the subject of Japanese Maples?

There is more information than you can imagine simply online...and surprisingly at YouTube as well. I've ordered from mrmaple.com. They have a wonderful selection and healthy trees.
Anyways, is there anything in particular that you are looking to find out about Japanese maples, or information geared specifically towards the maples that you ordered?

When it comes to Japanese maples there are certain things you must know and if you follow them you shouldn't have any problems.
1. When it comes to sunlight the rule of thumb is morning sun and afternoon shade.
2. Soil is a big factor when it comes to Japanese maples. They prefer a fast draining soil primarily containing a premium composted fir or pine bark, peat moss, and coarse perlite.
Using a black soil type of potting mix like ones generally found at Home Depot, Walmart, etc. is not something you want to use. And stay away from soils with clay or too much sand. These type of soils hold too much water and will lead to root rot.
I live in New Orleans which is a really hot climate for JM, so I grow them in containers. Plus it's a preference of mine as well. If you decide to go this route set your maple containers on bricks (or something elevated) that way they can drain out. You don't want to defeat your purpose and have them sitting in the water that has drained.
Also, don't overwater your maples. Let the soil completely dry and then give them a good watering. The best thing to invest in is a three-way meter which you probe into the soil and it tests for moisture as well as pH levels.
The last thing I can suggest is something that I ran across recently and it has made the colors in my maples pop like I've never seen before. It's an organic fertilizer designed specifically for Japanese maples called "Happy Frog".
I'll post a picture of the bag as well as some before and after pictures. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

"Happy Frog" Japanese Maple 4-3-4 Organic Fertilizer:



Acer Palmatum "Orange Dream" BEFORE adding Happy Frog:






Acer Palmatum "Orange Dream" AFTER adding Happy Frog!
Results after just 1 week!!!

Zealot, did the color on the existing leaves change, or did the tree push new, bright colored growth? That is a really interesting effect.

AcerZealot, I just looking for a book that would be a good general JM growing book. What do you use for soil in the pots? How often do you plan to use the fertilizer?

Dave,

Ac3rZeal0t has a lot of rules. I don't follow any of them.

Growing in pots? I use regular Miracle Gro potting soil (never moisture control stuff). I don't fertilize. Maples don't appreciate it. Every couple years, as the soil gets lower in the pot, I lift the root ball and add more Miracle Gro potting soil (it has fertilizer in it and that's enough for the next couple years). If you have your JMs in small pots or don't repot often, you may have to add a very weak solution of fertilizer but, it doesn't matter what you use. Your trees won't appreciate the pricey cost of their food. In Japan, they use fish emulsion or something similar.

I water every other day. My pots aren't sitting on bricks but, they don't sit in saucers either. My Emmett's Pumpkin lives in the ground on the west side of my house. Sun all day long.

In the ground, Don't amend your soil. Its best if the maple has to grow into the native soil where it will have to spend the next 150 years. Adding stuff to the soil only slows that transition. Never plant a JM in a lawn.

PS: 50+ years grower of JM's

Edited to add: Don't let the soil dry. JMs need evenly damp soil all the time. Not wet, not dry.

I have 3 others not pictured. I want to plant them into bigger pots, so what's the best way to do so, along with media to plant them in? And what size pots would be best? They are in one gallon pots.

The best time to transplant a JM is when they are at their most dormant. JMs hate having their roots disturbed.

I use Miracle Gro potting soil (never Moisture Control!) but, any good bagged potting soil with peat will make them happy.