California Mountain Maple
About California Mountain Maple
California Mountain Maple is a super rare houseplant 🌿 that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.
California Mountain Maple likes soil that is good at retaining moisture. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.
California Mountain Maple belongs to the Acer genus, and is native to Western North America.
Taxonomy
Acer glabrum
Acer
Sapindaceae
Sapindales
Also known as
Douglas' maple, New Mexico maple, Rocky Mountain maple, Sierra maple, dwarf maple, mountain maple and western mountain maple

How to care for California Mountain Maple
How often to water your California Mountain Maple

every 9
California Mountain Maple needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9
Finding light for California Mountain Maple in your home

a window
California Mountain Maple love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
California Mountain Maple does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of California Mountain Maple in your home 🏡.
How to fertilize California Mountain Maple

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your California Mountain Maple after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
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Spring is here, and bonsai maintenance has started! I worked on my Japanese maple ‘Fairy Lights’ and my flowering quince’Toyo Nishiki’! #BeforeAndAfter photos below 🌿 I remember that last fall a couple of people were asking about what to do for their bonsai trees, and I promised to post in the spring. Was that you, @sarahsalith and @Nataliesplants ? I’m posting step by step in the comments, if you’re still interested! I’ll also be making posts for my other trees in the coming weeks 😄 #BravelyBonsai #Bonsai #JapaneseMaple #JapaneseFloweringQuince
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All leaves fell off Maple plant The Maple plant lost 90% of its leaves within 2 weeks (mostly wilted), even though it had regular watering problems. Also discovered a potential spider mite infection, but have since got rid of all webs. What else can I do to revive it? #JapaneseMaple
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Top of my tree started turning brown two weeks ago and even more leaves are looking crispy and partially brown. It is exposed to morning sun in Texas. Even with high temperatures I make sure it’s moist but not over watered..help? #JapaneseMaple
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Volunteer Japanese Maple #JapaneseMaple So, this little lovely decided to volunteer itself into one of the pots we had soil in a couple of months back. (Our apartment has a huge maple right next to our unit.) We're ecstatic, and we've kept the pot right where it is (which doesn't really get any sun) & we've been watering it regularly. So, here's hoping it makes it to treehood! 💜 Suggestions are welcomed! (Also, don't mind the flower.)
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Japanese Maple? Magical day to you all. I am trying to show this beauty. According to Greg its a Japanese maple. Any tips? I had it in water but then google stated that it wout rot out and die in water. That my best bet is to put it in soil. How do you propagate this beauty?? Send tips. Thanks. #japanesemaple
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Does anyone know what could possibly be wrong with my Japanese maple it’s losing its leaves all off of one branch. #JapaneseMaple
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My Japanese Maple is leaning what can I do to help it? #JapaneseMaple
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I planted this tree & watering according to directions but each day the leaves continue to curl inward and I can't figure out what I am doing wrong.
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Well everyone, meet "Sad Maple"... This tree had underwent a complete turnaround in the past few months. For a second, I thought it wasn't going to make it. But Sad Maple is back thriving! Attached is Sad Maple. Head into the gallery and just look at the turnaround. Amazing.
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I’ve noticed a weird web presence on Muhammad’s leaves. Any ideas and should I be worried? #JapaneseMaple
California Mountain Maple is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
💦 Water Needs
California Mountain Maple prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
☀️ Sunlight Needs
California Mountain Maple requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
🪴 Soil
California Mountain Maple is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.
💩 Fertilizer
California Mountain Maple grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern
California Mountain Maple grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
🌦️ Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
California Mountain Maple can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-8b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
🌱 Propagation
The seeds of California Mountain Maple can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
🧐 Troubleshooting
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Care Summary for California Mountain Maple
California Mountain Maple
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
