Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are some of the most elegant trees you can add to your garden. Their graceful forms and vibrant autumn colours make them a favourite for pots, patios, and borders. But while they aren’t difficult to care for, Acers do have some particular needs — especially when it comes to soil health, watering, and feeding.

At Agriton, we’ve created the Acer Care Kit, tailored to suit different planting sizes (3 L, 5 L, and 10 L). Using natural soil conditioners and microbial support, this kit gives your Acer the best possible start and long-term resilience.

Why Acers Need the Right Soil & Care

Acers are shallow-rooted trees that thrive in loose, humus-rich, well-drained soil. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions (pH 4.5–7). Heavy, compacted soil can quickly lead to root problems, while too much fertiliser can dull autumn colour and reduce winter hardiness. Getting the balance right is key — and that’s where Agriton products come in.

🌿 Complete Acer Care Guide

Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) thrive when their roots are given the right balance of air, moisture, and nutrients. Agriton’s natural products are perfect for supporting this balance — keeping soil alive, roots strong, and foliage healthy. Below is a step-by-step plan you can follow, with dosages for 3 L, 5 L and 10 L trees or pots.

1. Planting & Soil Preparation

Products Used:

Edasil Clay Minerals – improves soil structure and water balance.
Vulkamin Granulate – provides trace elements and slow-release minerals.
Aegir Seashell Grit – gently balances pH and adds calcium + trace minerals.

How to Apply:

3 L pot: Mix 20–30 g Edasil into compost, plus a pinch (10 g) Seashell Grit.
5 L pot / planting hole: Mix 40–50 g Edasil + 1 small handful (30–40 g) Vulkamin into the soil. Add 20 g Seashell Grit if soil is very acidic.
10 L pot / garden planting: Mix 80–100 g Edasil + 2 good handfuls (60–80 g) Vulkamin into planting soil. Add 50 g Seashell Grit if needed.

👉 Thoroughly blend amendments with soil before planting to avoid clumping.

2. Watering & Microbial Support

Product Used:

Actiferm – a ready-to-use microbial solution that boosts soil life, root growth, and leaf resilience.

Dosage & Frequency:

Dilute 1:100 (10 ml Actiferm per 1 L of water).
Apply to the soil around the base of the tree, or spray leaves (morning or evening).

Schedule:

Spring → Summer: Every 2–3 weeks.
Autumn: Monthly until leaf fall.
Winter: One drench before frosts, then pause until spring.

Amount per application:

3 L pot: 0.5–1 L of diluted solution.
5 L pot / young tree: 1–2 L of diluted solution.
10 L pot / established tree: 3–5 L of diluted solution.

3. Feeding

Acers are sensitive to over-fertilisation, so go gentle. Focus on soil health first, with minerals and microbes.

Products:

Edasil (reapplied as a top-dressing mid-summer if soil dries fast).
Vulkamin Granulate (slow release, top-dress in spring).

How to Apply:

3 L pot: Sprinkle 10 g Edasil on top of soil in summer.
5 L pot: Sprinkle 20–30 g Vulkamin in spring; water in.
10 L pot: Top-dress 40–50 g Vulkamin in spring; repeat lightly in midsummer if growth is slow.

👉 Avoid high-nitrogen chemical feeds, as they can reduce autumn colour and winter hardiness.

4. Seasonal Checklist

Spring: Plant or repot, mix in Edasil + Vulkamin. Start Actiferm drenches every 2–3 weeks.
Summer: Continue Actiferm. Water regularly in hot weather. Top-dress with Edasil if soil crusts or pots dry quickly.
Autumn: Stop fertiliser; continue Actiferm monthly until leaves drop. Enjoy autumn colour!
Winter: Mulch roots (garden trees) or protect pots. Apply one last Actiferm drench before frosts.

5. Example Application Plan (5 L pot Acer)

Planting day: Mix 40 g Edasil + 40 g Vulkamin into compost. Add 20 g Seashell Grit. Water in with 1.5 L of Actiferm solution (15 ml Actiferm + 1.5 L water).
Week 3: Actiferm drench, 1.5 L solution.
Week 6: Actiferm drench, 2 L solution + top-dress 10 g Edasil.
Summer: Alternate Actiferm drenches and light watering as needed.
Autumn: One Actiferm drench monthly until leaf fall.
Winter: Mulch pot, protect roots, and apply one last Actiferm drench before frost.

✅ By following this plan, your Acer will establish strong roots, develop rich autumn colour, and remain resilient year after year — naturally supported by Agriton’s soil conditioners and microbial care.

How to Care for Japanese Maples: The Agriton Acer Care Kit