Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kotohime Japanese maple
IntermediateAcer palmatum 'Kotohime'
An extremely dwarf maple with tiny leaves and very short internodes—a representative yatsubusa maple. It builds dense, finely branched trees even in tiny pots, making it a staple for shohin and mame bonsai, and roots readily from cuttings.
About
Kotohime is a maple cultivar listed in a bonsai glossary as the representative yatsubusa maple, alongside Zuisho and Kokonoe in white pine. Yatsubusa means shoots and leaves that are smaller and more densely packed than the ordinary form. Japanese bonsai guides place it in the yama-momiji group and describe it as extremely dwarf, with tiny leaves and very short internodes. Related small-leaved forms include Kiyohime (small leaves, beautiful spring flush), Maihime (mostly five-lobed) and Orihime (seven-lobed), and Kotohime stands out among them for leaf size and tight internodes. Guides describe Kiyohime's leaves as 'small' and Kotohime's as 'extremely small', which is the main way to tell them apart. Because short-jointed branches can be layered into a miniature big-tree image even in a tiny pot, it is a staple for shohin and mame bonsai. It is among the cultivars that root well from cuttings, and rooted cuttings are widely sold. Tiny trees dry quickly and gain vigour slowly, so avoid heavy work such as full defoliation and be especially careful about drying out and strong summer light.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (yatsubusa maple cultivar; little documented about its origin)
Lifespan
Little data for the cultivar
Size
Extremely dwarf; easy to keep as mame to shohin bonsai
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (spring and autumn, sparingly)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Sun and good airflow; it dislikes afternoon sun, so shade 50–70% from the end of the rainy season to early September to prevent scorch
Watering
Tiny pots dry very fast: about twice daily in spring, 2–3 in summer, at the soil. Summer drought causes scorch and dieback
Temperature & overwintering
Cold-hardy (A. palmatum: USDA zone 5). After leaf fall let it see 2–3 frosts, then shelter from drying wind and late frost
Soil & repotting
Free-draining mix; repot around March before budbreak, every 2–3 years (1–2 for mini), pruning roots to encourage fine feeders
Fertilizer
Organic fertilizer in mid-April once leaves harden, a top-up in May; autumn feeding from mid-August, finishing in September to aid colour
Pruning & styling
Internodes are short, so simply removing the central bud builds ramification. Avoid full defoliation; thin leaves instead. Prune around leaf fall
Pests & cautions
Aphids on new shoots and powdery mildew from the rainy season. The thin leaves are easily damaged by sprays—follow label rates
Kotohime Japanese maple FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Kotohime Japanese maple?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow should I water and fertilize Kotohime Japanese maple?
Kotohime Japanese maple: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (spring and autumn, sparingly). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Kotohime Japanese maple?
The price of Kotohime Japanese maple varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. Not a registered variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act (no Acer 'Kotohime' in the MAFF database, checked Sept 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search) / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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