Shade or full sun?

[LandG]

Hey guys, new to bonsai and recently picked up some maples and a liquidambar from some shops, I heard that they need morning sun and afternoon shade and I also heard they need full sun so I was just seeking some guidance as to which one I should follow?
Cheers

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[Andrew Legg]

Maples typically need a bit of protection in the hottest part of the day, but this will depend entirely on what maples you have, and how willing you are to watch their watering carefully. Test them on a weekend when you are home, and if they can be left in full sun without starting to wilt, then they will be ok. If you see them starting to wilt it's too hot or they need more water. You can obviously give this to them if you are there, but what's the plan during the week?

[LandG]

I have a trident maple, on a rock, I water them in the morning around 6 before I head off to work. And when I get home in the afternoon I usually check the soil and see how damp it is.i don't have any way to watch the watering during the day, so maybe until I can watch them next weekend I'll keep them in part shade. Thanks for the quick reply

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[shibui]

There is always a range of options for any living thing.
I prefer as much sun as possible for my bonsai because shade promotes longer internodes so bonsai in shade tend to be longer and leggier. However, the sunnier the position the more the tree dries out so you need to balance sun exposure with water. Many find they cannot water well enough (sound easy but proper watering must be mastered) or often enough so leaves burn on hot afternoons hence the recommendation for some shade. Will also depend on the species and the potting mix used.

Each grower needs to find out what balance they can achieve. For beginners it is certainly better to start with some shade and build up to full sun when you are more confident and competent.

Rocks tend to absorb moisture and radiate it into the air. A rock also takes up space that would otherwise hold potting mix and moisture. I have noted that bonsai with rocks definitely dry out faster than those without.

[LandG]

I think I'll start with some shade for the afternoon and work up to more sun as I get more experience, interesting about the rock thats something i didnt consider. Again thanks for the
Reply

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[tgward]

uncle visited from Logan to here in the Berri south aus --said he liked the 35 degrees up there in brizzy -but got really burnt down here at 35 degrees--so could be the same for plants--individual trial and error and advice from growers in your area would be your best bet.

[Pearcy001]

I think I'll start with some shade for the afternoon and work up to more sun as I get more experience

Hi Lang,

If I were you I'd be trying to get as much sun as possible for a MONITORED day, to get it as used to the heat as possible before the brunt of summer hits.

This would hopefully make the foliage a bit tougher and more acclimatised to the summer sun, for when the heat kicks into 6th gear over the new year.

The other major bonus as Shibui has pointed out is the much shorter internodes

In saying that I'm not from Brisbane, so if you're already having those days ignore what I've proposed and go with your gut.

You could always get two (of the same) trial trees and test out what is best at your place re burnt leaves, growth rates etc.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

[Mojo Moyogi]

In Brisbane, I'd be leaning towards part shade for Maples (I hope you mean Trident Maple, Japanese Maples and Brisbane = not great) and more sun for Liquidambar. In warmer climates it makes sense to be sensible about pot depth (not too shallow or small) and mulching pots with either organic matter or pebbles is not a bad idea either. If you can stop roots from getting overheated, that's half the battle.

Just my

Cheers,
Mojo

[mcgee]

Hey LandG im looking at getting a Japanese maple here in brissy soon also so this info helps alot.. where did you end up finding your stock? Ive had a look at bonsai northside (not much choice) and aus bonsai grower (real small/big)..
What ive read from doc google about them is to keep them away from the hot arvo sunlight here.. although ive seen a few pics of peoples trees that cop full sun and are fine.. cheers

[longd_au]

My Japanese maples are in 50% shade. Some get morning sun and afternoon in full shade.
I find the leaf burns in a combination of wind and hot sun. Also, they might be ok for day 1 of hot sun but usually the leaf start to burn after the 2nd and 3rd day.
Hot sun also slow their growth a lot. I think someone here did mention some plants stop growing in the middle of summer in full sun but continue growing in shade.

[mcgee]

I picked up a Japanese maple and 2 tridents from australian bonsai grower today and he has the pre stock in full sun.. get a bit burnt every now and then but his established trees live under shade cloth and some get full sun and he said they do fine..
Just thought id let you know