9 Best Japanese Maples as Houseplants

Japanese Maples as Houseplants

Are you looking for a way to bring color and beauty to your indoor space? Look no further than Japanese maples! These stunning trees are not only a popular choice for outdoor landscaping but also make excellent houseplants. They add a pop of color and texture to any room, and their varying sizes make them suitable for apartments or large living spaces. Here we will explore 9 of the best Japanese maples to consider as houseplants.

Bloodgood Japanese Maple 

The deep burgundy leaves of the Bloodgood Japanese Maple offer a striking contrast against any indoor space. This tree prefers bright but indirect light and moderate watering.

Beni Kawa Japanese Maple

The Beni Kawa Japanese Maple's leaves transition from a bright green to a vibrant red in the fall season. This tree likes its soil consistently moist and can thrive in low to bright light.

Emerald Lace Japanese Maple

With its delicate and lacy leaves, the Emerald Lace Japanese Maple provides an elegant touch to any indoor space. They prefer moderate sunlight and consistent watering.

Red Emperor Japanese Maple

The Red Emperor Japanese Maple's leaves turn brilliant red in the fall. It loves bright, indirect sunlight and moist soil.

Fireglow Japanese Maple

The Fireglow Japanese Maple's leaves have a vibrant red glow, especially when backlit. These trees enjoy moderate sunlight and consistent watering.

Orangeola Japanese Maple

The Orangeola Japanese Maple's leaves transition from a bright orange-red in the spring to a darker shade in the summer. They prefer bright but indirect light and consistently moist soil.

Sango Kaku Japanese Maple

With its striking coral bark, the Sango Kaku Japanese Maple adds a unique touch to any indoor space. These trees like their soil consistently moist and brighter, with indirect sunlight.

Waterfall Japanese Maple

The cascading leaves of the Waterfall Japanese Maple create a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere. It prefers low to moderate sunlight and moist soil.

Tamukeyama Japanese Maple

These Japanese maples have deep red leaves that keep their color throughout all seasons. They prefer brighter, indirect light and consistent watering.

The Ultimate Guide to Properly Taking Care of Your Houseplants

Houseplants are like pets and require love, care, and attention to thrive. Not only do they keep your indoor space smelling and looking lovely, but they also play a significant role in improving air quality. For starters, plants are natural air purifiers, and as such, they can remove toxins, improve air quality, and increase humidity. But, how do you ensure that your plants are always in good health? How do you take care of them?

Watering

Proper watering is one of the most crucial aspects of taking care of houseplants. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause wilting and eventual death. To know when it's time to water your plants, use the finger trick. Stick your finger into the soil, and if it feels dry, add some water. Ensure that you water all around the plant and not just in the middle. Additionally, the plant will need more water during the summer months and less during the winter months.

Lighting

Did you know that the amount and type of light that your plant gets can affect its health? Most houseplants require moderate to bright, indirect light. Only a few tolerate low light levels. Ensure that your plants get the recommended hours of light for their species, and if your space doesn't provide enough natural light, consider investing in a grow light.

Repotting

Over time, your plant will outgrow its pot and require a larger one. This is the perfect opportunity to change the soil too. When repotting, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one and use fresh, well-draining soil. This will provide your plant with the much-needed nutrients and space to grow.

Temperature and Humidity

Most houseplants thrive in temperatures between 60-75°F. Anything above or below can lead to stunted growth or even death. Also, most houseplants thrive in an environment with high humidity. A pebble tray or a humidifier in the same room as your plants can help maintain the humidity levels.

Pruning and Fertilizing

One of the most satisfying tasks of taking care of houseplants is pruning and grooming them. Pruning helps your plant maintain their shape and improves air circulation, while grooming ensures that your plant is free of pests and insects. Fertilizing your plants is also crucial as it provides them with the much-needed nutrients. Choose a balanced, organic fertilizer and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Japanese maples are an excellent choice for houseplants, adding beauty, color, and texture to any indoor space. The nine trees we explored all have varying colors and textures that can suit anyone's preferences. Remember to regularly tend to the trees' soil and watering needs, and they can thrive for years as a stunning addition to your indoor garden!

Taking care of houseplants doesn't have to be overwhelming, and by following these tips, you can have a beautiful and thriving indoor garden. Remember to water your plants properly, give them the right amount of light, repot them when necessary, provide the right temperature and humidity levels, and prune and fertilize them regularly. With just a little effort and attention, your houseplants will provide you with joy and improve your indoor air quality. Happy planting!