Troubleshooting
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' problems — and how to fix them
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' (Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Leaf scorch
Margins brown in strong sun, wind or dry soil; site in dappled or part shade with shelter and keep the soil reliably moist.
Colour fade in shade
Too little light turns the purple foliage muddy green; give bright filtered light or gentle morning sun to hold the rich colour.
Aphids and scale
Sap-suckers cluster on soft new growth, leaving sticky honeydew and sooty mould; rinse off, encourage predators and avoid overfeeding.
Verticillium wilt
Soil fungus causing branch dieback and dark wood streaking; remove affected limbs and avoid replanting maples where it has occurred.
Prevent acer palmatum 'atropurpureum' problems before they start
Most acer palmatum 'atropurpureum' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common japanese maple problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' watering schedule
- Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' light requirements
- Best soil mix for acer palmatum 'atropurpureum'
- Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' temperature & humidity
- Full acer palmatum 'atropurpureum' care guide
Looking for acer palmatum 'atropurpureum' in general rather than its problems? Read the full acer palmatum 'atropurpureum' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' problems — FAQ
Why is my acer palmatum 'atropurpureum' leaf scorch?
Margins brown in strong sun, wind or dry soil; site in dappled or part shade with shelter and keep the soil reliably moist.
Why is my acer palmatum 'atropurpureum' colour fade in shade?
Too little light turns the purple foliage muddy green; give bright filtered light or gentle morning sun to hold the rich colour.
Why is my acer palmatum 'atropurpureum' aphids and scale?
Sap-suckers cluster on soft new growth, leaving sticky honeydew and sooty mould; rinse off, encourage predators and avoid overfeeding.
Why is my acer palmatum 'atropurpureum' verticillium wilt?
Soil fungus causing branch dieback and dark wood streaking; remove affected limbs and avoid replanting maples where it has occurred.