Acer davidii
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Acer davidii

Father David's maple · Snakebark Maple · Père David's maple · Snakesbark maple

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
10–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 6–9
Click count
147
Observations
460

Description

Source: leafsnap

Acer davidii, commonly known as the snakebark maple, is a deciduous tree native to China. It is a popular choice for gardens and parks due to its attractive bark and foliage. The tree's bark features distinctive green and white stripes that resemble snake skin, earning it its common name. The leaves are green with a silvery underside, turning yellow in autumn before falling off. At maturity, the snakebark maple can reach up to 20 meters in height and spread up to 10 meters wide. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Additionally, Acer davidii is known for its tolerance to pollution, making it an excellent option for urban landscapes where air quality may be a concern.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

The Pere David's maple thrives in moderate moisture conditions, needing to be watered every two weeks, but can tolerate short periods of drought. As a deciduous tree, it sheds its leaves during unfavorable seasons, demonstrating its adaptability to changes in its outdoor environment and natural precipitation variations.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
FAQ
What is the most effective way to water my Pere David's maple tree?

To ensure excellent root development, consider using a garden hose at the base of the plant. Avoid spraying the leaves directly, as watering at ground level helps prevent diseases. If your plants are outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, keep in mind that the leaves may require more water. Bubblers can be attached to each plant to moisten the roots, and soaker hoses can be used to cover the entire garden or bed when adding or removing plants. After watering, make sure to drain any excess water and allow the soil to dry before watering again. On a sunny day, consider spraying the entire bush with water. Whether your Pere David's maple is in a pot or in the ground, remember that deep watering is preferred over light sprinkling.

If I give too much or too little water to a Pere David's maple, what should I do?

Pere david's maple can show signs of overwatering, such as yellowing, wilting, and dropping leaves. The plant may also appear dull and unhealthy, with mushy stems. Adjusting your watering schedule is necessary when these signs appear. On the other hand, wilting can also be a sign of under watering, characterized by crispy and dry leaves. If the soil is dry and watering alone is not enough, give the plant a thorough watering. Although enough water will help the maple recover, it may still have dry and yellow leaves for a few days due to root damage. Normal conditions will stop the yellowing of leaves. Indoors, always check the moisture levels of the pot, avoid overwatering, and watch out for black spots. If present, let the soil dry out by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so consider transferring the plant to a different pot if you observe discolored and slimy roots. Preventing root rot and avoiding overly soggy soil is crucial. When planting Pere david's maple outdoors, dig a little deeper to assess the soil moisture. If it feels too dry, it may indicate underwatering, and appropriate watering is necessary for recovery.

How frequently should I give water to my Pere David's maple?

The Pere david's maple prefers to be watered deeply and infrequently. When planted in pots, it is important to soak them with one gallon of water each time, as the water storage capacity of pots is limited and the soil dries out quickly. In cold regions, watering is required every 3 to 5 days. Water the plant early in the morning when the soil is dry, whether it is indoors or outdoors. You can also check the moisture level by examining the soil. When the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, it is time for a thorough watering. On hot days, check the moisture daily as the heat can dry out the potting soil rapidly. If you have a garden, you should irrigate the soil as well. In hot climates, watering once a week is recommended. Only water when you notice that about 2 to 3 inches of soil have become dry. Take into account the amount of rainfall the plant has received to avoid overwatering and root rot. Pere david's maple trees generally grow during spring and fall. When planted outdoors, apply a layer of mulch 3 to 4 inches deep to conserve water. sandy soil drains faster, so more frequent watering is needed, while clay soil requires less frequent watering to prevent root rot. To keep track of watering, mark the date on the calendar and pay attention to the plant's leaves. Drooping leaves may indicate that watering is needed sooner than expected.

How much water should I give my Pere David's maple?

The Pere david's maple generally needs about a gallon of water on its schedule. For potted plants, water them deeply until you see water dripping at the bottom of the pot, then wait for the soil to dry before watering again. Use a water calculator or moisture meter to track the amount of water you give your plant each week. During the flowering period, provide plenty of water but allow the moisture to evaporate to prevent root rot. If the Pere david's maple is planted outdoors and receives enough rainfall, it may not need additional watering. When the maple is young or newly planted, make sure it gets 1-2 inches of rain per week. As it grows, it can rely on rainfall alone. Only when the weather is excessively hot or during a dry spell of 2-3 weeks without rain, consider giving the maple a full watering during cooler parts of the day to prevent heat damage. Additional watering will be needed during extended periods of dry weather.

Do I need to change how often I water my Pere David's maple tree based on the time of year or the weather conditions?

The Pere david's maple needs to be watered when it doesn't rain and the weather is persistently dry. In the spring and fall, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy, and alternating moist and dry conditions are good for growth. In the summer, hot weather and lack of rain may require more frequent watering to keep the soil moist. During winter, less water is needed as the maple goes dormant. It's important to ensure good drainage at all times, especially in winter. When in a pot, the maple has limited root growth and should be watered well, especially in summer. Deep soaking is preferable to shallow sprinkles that reach the leaves. Avoid letting the maple dry out completely in fall or winter. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent the maple from sitting in water for too long and potentially dying. Applying mulch can help reduce stress, conserve water, and promote healthy blooms.

☀️ Light Partial sun

Pere david's maple generally prefers moderate sunlight but can also tolerate stronger sun. Although it originally grew in areas with scattered/dappled shade, its tolerance of increased reflected light supports robust growth. Conversely, insufficient sunlight can cause stunted development, while excessive exposure may result in leaf scorch.

Ideal: Partial sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Pere david's maple?

Pere david's maple requires moderate intensity sunlight but can also thrive in more intense levels of sun. It originally comes from environments with scattered shade, yet its tolerance for greater light supports strong growth. Ideally, it should receive a balance of 3-6 hours of sunlight if categorized under partial sun or above 6 hours for full sun. Insufficient sunlight may lead to stunted growth, while too much can cause leaf scorch. Observing the movement of sunlight through your garden to find the perfect spot with the right balance of light and shade is crucial for the plant's happiness.

How does artificial lighting affect Pere david's maple?

Artificial lighting plays a vital role in the growth of Pere david's maple, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient, like in winter or less sunny spaces. Indoor plants benefit from artificial lights that promote faster and healthier growth. LED lights are preferred due to their ability to provide specific wavelengths of light needed by the plants. Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft. The artificial light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mimicking natural sunlight and should be kept on for 8-12 hours per day to emulate the length of natural daylight hours.

What are the symptoms of inadequate light exposure in Pere david's maple?

When grown indoors or under insufficient light conditions, Pere david's maple may exhibit several symptoms indicating light deficiency. These include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or halted growth, lighter-colored or irregularly colored new leaves, and symptoms of overexposure like chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These symptoms arise from the plant's struggle to adapt to low light conditions and the negative effects of excessive sunlight, which interfere with its ability to photosynthesize and maintain health.

What are the solutions for Pere david's maple experiencing light exposure issues?

For Pere david's maple facing light exposure issues, gradually adapting the plant to changing light conditions is key. For indoor plants, moving them to sunnier spots each week until they receive 3-6 hours of sunlight daily or using artificial grow lights for at least 8 hours daily can help. Outdoors, moving plants gradually to optimal sunlight spots can prevent sunburn. Pruning obstructions like branches from trees can increase sunlight exposure. Transplanting smaller plants during their dormant period to a location with ample sunlight and good drainage, usually in late winter or early spring, is also advised. It's important to note that parts of the plant affected by insufficient sunlight may not recover fully, but new growth after adjusting light exposure will be healthy.

🌡️ Temperature 10–35°C

Pere david's maple is native to habitats generally characterized by temperatures ranging from 50 to 95°F (10 to 35 ℃). It thrives in milder temperatures, and during periods of extreme heat or cold, appropriate adjustments may be required to protect it.

Ideal temperature: 10–35°C
FAQ
What is the native environment of Pere david's maple?

Pere david's maple is native to environments where temperatures typically range from 50 to 95\u00b0F (10 to 35\u00b0C). It thrives in milder temperatures and requires adjustments during seasons of extreme heat or cold to stay healthy. The tree has strong cold resistance, meaning special frost protection measures are usually not necessary. However, in extreme winter conditions where temperatures drop below -25\u00b0C, it's important to provide cold protection by wrapping the trunk and branches with non-woven fabric or cloth. Additionally, abundantly watering the plant before the first freeze in autumn helps the soil stay moist and prevents drought and water scarcity during winter and early spring.

How does low temperature affect Pere david's maple, and what are the solutions?

Pere david's maple is cold-tolerant, thriving best at temperatures above 10\u00b0C and should be kept above -15\u00b0C during winter. If temperatures fall below -25\u00b0C, the tree may not show immediate changes, but come spring, the branches could become brittle and dry, with no new shoots emerging. The solution for this is to prune away any dead branches in the spring that have failed to produce new leaves, which helps encourage healthy growth.

How does high temperature affect Pere david's maple, and what are the solutions?

During the summer, Pere david's maple should be kept below 35\u00b0C. When temperatures exceed 38\u00b0C, the plant's leaves may lighten in color, tips may become dry and withered, and the tree becomes more susceptible to sunburn. To mitigate these effects, trim away sunburned and dried-up parts of the plant. Additionally, move the plant to a location that provides shade during the midday and afternoon sun or use a shade cloth. Keeping the soil moist by watering the plant in the morning and evening is also crucial.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Timing is essential for fertilizing Pere david's maple. Begin in early spring and apply every month up to early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both the dormant period and active growth.

FAQ
Why should I put plant food on my Pere david's maple?

Regardless of which type of Pere David's maple you have, regular fertilization is crucial for maintaining its overall health. Providing the right amount of nutrients promotes strong growth, enhances resilience to harsh growing conditions, and improves the ability to combat diseases and pests. The foliage of your Pere David's maple is particularly attractive, so it's important to take steps to preserve it. This involves following a consistent fertilization schedule tailored to your specific maple, which will result in vibrant, lush leaves with deep coloring.

When should I fertilize my Pere David's maple tree?

To ensure healthy growth, it is recommended to fertilize your Pere david's maple for the first time in late winter or early spring. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the tree to thrive once the weather warms up. Additionally, if you live in a warm climate region, it can be beneficial to give your tree an extra fertilizer feeding in early fall. This will not only supply additional nutrients for the upcoming growing season, but also help the tree withstand winter cold without damage. By fertilizing earlier, the new branches will have enough time to develop and handle the winter conditions.

When is the best time to not add fertilizer to my Pere david's maple?

There are specific periods when you should avoid fertilizing your Pere david's maple. The first period is during the early and mid-winter months when the tree is dormant and does not require any nutrients. It is also not recommended to fertilize the plant in late spring and throughout the summer. These months are typically hotter and drier, which can have a detrimental effect on the tree if it is given fertilizer. To prevent any problems, it is best to follow a fertilization schedule that only involves feeding the tree in early spring and early fall.

What kind of fertilizer does my Pere David's maple tree need?

The most crucial nutrient for a Pere david's maple is usually nitrogen. However, this doesn't mean that phosphorus and potassium are not important. In fact, your Pere david's maple generally requires a good amount of all three main nutrients. This is why a balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10, can be effective. Nevertheless, a more nuanced nutrient ratio often leads to optimal growth for a Pere david's maple. Fertilizers higher in nitrogen, such as a 10-6-4 ratio, tend to work better. When it comes to fertilizing, you have the option of using either a granular or liquid-based fertilizer.

How do I give nutrients to my Pere david's maple plant?

To fertilize your Pere david's maple tree, you have two options: using granular fertilizer or liquid fertilizer. If you choose granular fertilizer, simply sprinkle it onto the soil at the right time. The slow-release nature of this fertilizer will gradually release nutrients into the soil. Before applying the fertilizer, it's recommended to lightly water your tree. Alternatively, you can use liquid fertilizer, although this is less common. To do this, mix the fertilizer with water and pour it around the base of the tree. Occasionally, it can be helpful to perform a soil test beforehand to check if any pH adjustments are necessary.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Pere David's maple is an ornamental tree known for its unique snake-patterned bark and vibrant leaves. To maintain its health and appearance, prune the tree in early spring. This involves removing dead wood, thinning out branches, and shaping the canopy. Making clean cuts promotes healthy regrowth, improves airflow, and reduces the risk of disease. For detailed care instructions, refer to horticultural guides.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Acer
Family
Sapindaceae
Hardiness Zone
6-9
Mature Height
9.14 m to 15.24 m
Mature Spread
6.1 m to 11.89 m
Leaf Color
Green, Yellow, Orange, Red
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Early spring, Mid spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Tags (5)

Common Names (4)

en Father David's maple
en Snakebark Maple
en Père David's maple
en Snakesbark maple