skip to main content

Japanese Gardens

Red Dragon Turning Green

9 years ago

Hello out there. I purchased at Red Dragon Japanese maple, and planted it about two weeks ago. Last week, I noticed that the leaves have started to turn green. I did a little research and found that this might may happen because it's getting too little water or too little sun. I've also read that this species can grow and moderate to complete shade. The tree is planted in my courtyard, that does receive a lot of shade. It probably gets about three hours of direct or filtered filtered sun per day and the rest of the time it's in the shade. I started watering it every day for the last week just to make sure that wasn't the issue. Does anyone have any advice? Can these trees live in and shade? Is there anyway to make it turn red without re-planting it somewhere else?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
The loss of color can be attributed to lack of direct sunlight. Color in the foliage is from a concentration of sugars formed during photosynthesis. These intensify the red pigmentation. In a great deal of shade, these sugars are not produced to the same degree and the pigmentation is weak.

Some red leaf dissectums hold their color better in low light conditions but the best coloring will be in more sun. In fact, red leaf maples are generally extremely sun tolerant and can be grown in full sun in many areas of the country.

This color 'change' has nothing to do with watering or soil chemistry or anything other than sunlight and the plant's genetics. Some just hold their color better in low light conditions than others. If you want your tree to remain red, you need to locate it where it will receive more direct sunlight.
mblan13
9 years ago
+1...and stop watering every day or you'll wind up with root rot.
Related Discussions
Beet Greens Turning Red
Q
Comments (2)
It does sound like a deficiency. The three elemental deficiencies that can cause purple/bronze foliage are N (only in some plants. All plants won't display purple foliage if N is deficient), P, and Mg. Your zone or where you live would have been helpful, because temperatures can play heavily into the problem, especially when using organic sources of nutrients. I would hold off on the fish emulsion, at least temporarily and fertilize with any 3:1:2 ratio soluble fertilizer. MG 24-8-16 or 12-4-8 are examples, along with Foliage-Pro 9-3-6 (very good choice). Other cultural influences that slow growth w/o slowing photosynthesis will also cause a build-up of anthocyanin (purple pigment) in foliage, so it could be something she's doing (over-watering, e.g.).
...See More
Identify Please - Plant with new red leaves that turn green
Q
Comments (4)
It's a Guzmania Bromiliad. A tropical plant that grows in caves and on forest floors. The red leaves are actually a flower spike that the plant will only get once then die, if you are lucky and care for it then the plant will reward you with offsets or pups that you can pick off the side of the mother plant once they are about half the size of the mother and planted in their own containers. Here is a link that might be useful: Bromiliads
...See More
Do all green peppers eventually turn red?
Q
Comments (9)
I think what he was asking was whether or not green is the "final color" (i.e. fully mature/ripe) for any pepper. Some peppers such as Serrano are primarily used in the green stage. But, as Smoke said the "final" color is varied. As far as I know there are no peppers whose final/fully ripe color is green. There may be an oddball cross out there that ripens at green, but I've never seen it.
...See More
Leaves turned Shiny Dark green with crimson red edges
Q
Comments (1)
That is a normal color for many roses. A sign in many modern roses that it is healthy.
...See More
bub72ck
8 years ago
I would guess it is sun exposure. I have two large Crimson Queens next to my front door and the branches that get sun exposure are nice and red. The underlying and low branches are green.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with Water and Red

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Welcome the Chinese New Year with photos featuring the legendary dragon's power and the color of luck

HOUSEPLANTS Get a Dash of the Rain Forest With Madagascar Dragon Tree

By creative jewish mom.com

This living decoration reaches up to 15 feet, has minimal needs and adapts to different light levels — just steer clear of fluoride

LIFE Turn Off the Video Games and Turn On Your Kid's Creativity

By Alison Hodgson

Going nuts planning summer activities? Kids overdosing on screen time? It may be time to foster more self-directed play

HOLIDAYS 15 Spectacular Christmas Palettes Beyond Red and Green

By Amber Hopman

Instead of dragging out holiday decorations in the same old expected colors this year, dare to consider these gorgeous alternatives

COLOR Case Study: Turn Your Wall Colors Into Art

By Amber Hopman

Give your walls an artistic edge with creative color blocking that complements your architecture

LIFE Slow Living 101: Tips for Turning Off the Chaos

By Laura Gaskill

It may feel as though you're too busy to slow down and enjoy life. But even little changes can have a big effect

STORAGE Storage Surprise: Turn Colorful Tool Cabinets Into Fun Furniture

By Becky Harris

Reimagine your handy chests as nightstands, bar carts and kitchen storage for a bright interior alternative

10 Reasons to Turn to Bright Hues in Winter

By Laura Gaskill

When it’s gloomy outside, consider energizing your home and boosting your mood with bold color inside

HOME TECH Turn 'Obsolete' Tech Into Fun Home Help

Here's how to put your old Mac, Atari or Newton to work around the house

FURNITURE Celebrating a Classic: Spool-Turned Furniture

By Lisa Frederick

See how a timeless woodworking style from the 19th century blends beautifully with just about any décor

Sponsored