Japanese maple bonsai trees like morning sun and afternoon shade, so they do best on the east side of a house. “You want them to get sun, but not during the heat of the day, the real intense sun ...

These rules, as Terry helpfully outlines, also apply to bonsai forms of Japanese maple trees. 'Full sun situations, or climates that are hot and dry, are not ideal for these plants,' Terry adds.

Japanese Maple bonsai trees require regular watering to thrive. Water the tree when the soil begins to feel dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot.