Unlike some of its tree-like counterparts, faber’s maple (Acer fabri) is an evergreen maple that grows as a vine. This rare species is grown ornamentally for the year-round interest offered by its red leaf stems. It is also grown as a bonsai plant or indoors in containers because of how well it can tolerate low light.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Acer fabri, or Faber’s maple, is a species of evergreen maple shrub native to Vietnam and central to southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan).
Acer fabri is a shrub rarely more than 1 meter tall. It has unlobed, lance-shaped leaves, unlike the multilobed leaves found on most maple species. Newly grown leaves and samaras take on a reddish hue. It was collected by the Rev. Ernst Faber and described by Henry Fletcher Hance.
II. How to Grow and Care
Faber’s maple is known for being a robust and low-maintenance tree, suited to a variety of garden landscapes. Key care needs include providing well-drained, fertile soil and ensuring moderate watering, as faber’s maple is adaptable but prefers consistent moisture without waterlogging. One special care point for faber’s maple is to protect it from strong winds, which can damage the branches. Pruning is only necessary to remove dead or crossed branches, underscoring its easy care requirements.
Sunlight
The faber’s maple has a certain requirement for sunlight and prefers a partially shaded area. In cases of exposure to direct sunlight in the summer, the leaves of most varieties will wither, so shading is required. As the plants get older and their root system grows, this condition will be less of a problem. A few varieties will tolerate exposure to direct sunlight, such as ‘Beni Maiko’ and ‘De Shojo’. Some weeping varieties can also tolerate exposure to direct sunlight, such as ‘Ao Shidare’.
Sunlight conditions will directly affect the ornamental appearance of faber’s maple leaves. In the spring, sufficient sunlight will make the maple leaves more vivid, while in cases of insufficient sunlight or partial shading the leaf color may fade. During the fall, sunlight can also affect the leaf color. For potted plants, full exposure to sunlight is recommended during the spring and the fall, with partial shading in the summer.
Temperature
The faber’s maple has good cold resistance and is able to tolerate low temperatures. The faber’s maple is native to the margins of forests in China, Japan, and North Korea, so these trees generally prefer a humid environment. Most faber’s maple plants have shallow root systems, so they should be watered frequently during the summer. For some varieties, a sprayed mist should be provided during the summer to increase the humidity of the air around them.
Watering
Originating from regions with fluctuating moisture levels, faber’s maple has adapted to be moderately drought-tolerant. Its native environment endows it with the ability to thrive in conditions where water is not always readily available. For optimal health, faber’s maple requires watering once every 2-3 weeks, ensuring the soil has time to dry out slightly between sessions. As a deciduous plant, faber’s maple’s water needs are closely tied to its growth cycle; during the active growing season, consistent moisture supports its lush foliage development.
Soil
The faber’s maple does not have many specific requirements for soil. It is a forest native, so it prefers well-drained soil that is rich in humus and slightly acidic. Its main root will extend deep into the soil, but its tiny fibrous roots will be concentrated near the soil surface, so accumulated water in the soil tends to cause root rot.
Fertilizing
For faber’s maple, use balanced nutrition fertilizers during spring for healthy growth, shifting to high-nitrogen ones in early summer to encourage foliage. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks, diluting to half-strength to prevent root burn. Fall fertilization isn’t recommended as it can prompt late growth susceptible to frost damage. Young faber’s maples benefit most from consistent feeding, while established ones require less. Apply granular fertilizer around the drip line, not directly against the trunk, to foster proper nutrient absorption.
Planting Instructions
The best time for planting or transplanting a faber’s maple is following defoliation in the fall. At this time, the leaves will have fallen off so there is little transpiration and water loss can be avoided. In addition, the root system will still be growing at this time, preparing for regrowth the following spring. Transplanting should be avoided on the coldest days because cold wind can kill some of the shoots and branches. During the winter, in areas that cannot be sheltered from the wind, it is recommended to cover the branches.
Pruning
Pruning is mainly used to enhance internal ventilation, improve shoot formation, promote growth, and for shaping. The common approach to pruning is to remove any old or weak branches, remove any branches that disrupt the shape of the tree, and remove any branches that cross other branches. Pruning is used to control the plant according to the required height and shape. Generally, this follows the “Y-type” pruning method.
It is possible to prune a faber’s maple throughout the year, but the coldest winter months should be avoided to prevent damage to the plant. Major pruning to shape a maple can be performed following defoliation in the fall, or prior to leaf growth in the spring. It is recommended to prune in the fall because withered and full buds can be easily distinguished.
According to the shaping plan, you can prune any withered buds and keep the full ones, thus making your tree healthier. For pruning in the summer, diseased, weak, or dead branches can be removed, mainly to enhance the tree’s ventilation.
If grown as a potted plant, the roots can easily occupy the entire flowerpot due to the limited space. This can make a faber’s maple prone to aging if an old flowerpot is not changed. It is recommended that old roots are pruned during the dormancy period, that is, cut off any old, coarse, diseased, and weak roots.
Propagation
Faber’s maple can be reliably propagated through the method of grafting, which is advantageous for maintaining the genetic fidelity of the species. The grafting process involves joining a scion from faber’s maple to a sturdy rootstock of a closely related species, ensuring successful merging. Scion selection should focus on healthy, disease-free twigs to guarantee optimal growth. Post-grafting care is crucial, which includes proper wound dressing and a conducive environment to facilitate healing and union.
Transplanting
Optimally, transplant faber’s maple during the temperate embrace of late spring to summer’s cusp or autumn’s twilight to winter’s dawn for minimal stress. Choose bright, sheltered spots and enrich the journey with well-draining soil, mulching affectionately when settled.
