Japanese maple - heat stress

[Frogman777]

Hi everyone

Firstly - happy new year and wishing you all the best for 2025.

My friend is currently house sitting for me and has sent me these videos of my two Japanese maples. One is a bloodgood and I’m unsure of the other cultivar. They both seem to be suffering from extreme heat stress and I was wondering about what my next steps are and their possibility of survival?

The majority of the leaves have dried up on one but some have survived, notably ones facing direct light. On the bloodgood, the majority of the leaves have started turning dark green with the edges curling up into a pinkish brown colour.

I think realistically the watering has to be increased, but aside from that I am just worried about losing them both.

Context - I live in Melbourne, Australia. Both have been sheltered from direct sun largely, but my balcony faces south so there is strong afternoon light.

Apologies in advance for the poor pictures - they’re the best my friend could send.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Gabler]

It's very difficult to see what's going on in those pictures. That's likely why no one has responded.

 

[Wakulla]

According to google you are in zone 6. I keep them in Zone 9B in North Florida US. I try to give them afternoon shade here.|
If they're new potted plants just out of some shade cloth nursery with tender soft leaves, they are NOT going to tollerate intence afternoon sun on a balcony.
I'm thinking they need shade of some sort in the afternoon. Overwatering or keeping them waterlogged now won't save them. Just keep the soil barely moist just as they should have been all along.
They may well put out new foliage if the stress on them is taken care of. |
Might ask for advise from your local nurseryman who knows your climate better than any of us.

 

[Wulfskaar]

My J. maple foliage ends up looking similar after a dry, hot windstorm, where the edges of the leaves get crispy.

If possible, put in morning sun or dappled afternoon shade. As mentioned above, shade cloth might help. Also, try to protect from dry wind.

 

[Wakulla]

According to google you are in zone 6. I keep them in Zone 8B in North Florida US. I try to give them afternoon shade here
If they're new potted plants just out of some shade cloth nursery with tender soft leaves, they are NOT going to tolerate intense afternoon sun on a balcony.
I'm thinking they need shade of some sort in the afternoon. Overwatering or keeping them waterlogged now won't save them. Just keep the soil barely moist just as they should have been all along.
They may well put out new foliage if the stress on them is taken care of. |
Might ask for advise from your local nurseryman who knows your climate better than any of us.