Vineleaf Maple
acer cissifolium
Also known as: ["Vineleaf Maple","Cissus-leaved Maple"]
Overview
A deciduous maple species native to Japan, known for its unique vine-like leaves and attractive autumn coloration.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Botanical Name: | Acer cissifolium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days in dry indoor environments
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to maintain shape and health.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 4–6 hours of direct sunlight in spring/summer, filtered light in hot months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid leaf scorch; provide shade during peak summer heat; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, slightly acidic loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil, peat, and perlite; avoid overwatering to prevent soil compaction; amend with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, 50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but protect from extreme cold.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options like compost tea.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead/diseased wood, encourage bushier growth; best done in late winter or early spring before new growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, sterilizing solution (bleach or alcohol).
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., 2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or drop; vulnerable to frost damage in dormant periods.
Solution: Protect from frost with burlap or mulch; move container plants indoors during freezes; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may stagnate in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume seeds or leaves of Acer cissifolium. The effects are typically short-lived and localized to the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of seeds or leaves of Acer cissifolium may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAcer cissifolium contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Acer cissifolium suitable for small gardens?
A: Yes, it can be suitable for small gardens due to its manageable size and attractive foliage.
Q: Does Acer cissifolium require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in warmer climates.
Q: How often should Acer cissifolium be watered?
A: Water moderately, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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