First,
@leatherback thanks for inviting me to this thread.
@Shibui thanks but that is not true. Curiously I have some Japanese books on bonsai, by Japanese authors, that state in the most definite way "don't try pines or maples in south america, it is impossible".
No, it is not impossible. Pines thrive here and many bonsai growers, specially in the south and higher terrain, grow beautiful maples in Brazil, Argentina, Chile.
@Amerssa bem vinda ao fórum, you can write me directly if you wish, in Portuguese if it helps.
I have been trying to grow maples in São Paulo for three seasons
I found out that:.
- Tridents thrive no matter what.
- Japanese Maples have to be protected from direct sun AND wind in our summer; they can dryout in a matter of hours, so, plenty of water is necessary.
- Kotohimes and Kyohimes are a little more delicate, but grow well.
- Deshojos are a challenge though. They start the season beautifully, but after the summer they look like coming back from the war.
So my advice is open shadow during the whole summer, plenty of water, no wind, keep the ambient humid in the winter as ours are very dry (like the Japanese winters, less the snow).
Some examples of MY trees:
Japanese maple:
Kotohime in the winter:
Kyohime in the Spring:
Trident in the Spring:
Deshojo:
So, don't give up.
Patience, shadow, humidity and watering proper!
Boa sorte com seus Áceres!
