Hi,
I just inherited a japanese maple a few months ago from my grandfather. I don't know the specific name of the one I have. I will give you a brief history of the plant over the last few months ... keep in mind I am a complete beginner. I've never had a plant before.

I repotted the maple from a 5 gallon plastic planter to a 15 gallon ceramic planter but failed to allow for drainage at the bottom. The plants growth seemed stunted and the leaves started to show leaf burn (brown tips). So I lifted the planter onto bricks so it would have proper drainage. I waited until the maple needed watering again and then I overwatered it once. I read that you are supposed to do this a few times a year to wash the nitrates out of the soil. The leaves then started to turn red, yellow and green in the pattern shown. What is wrong? or is this normal leaf coloring for my specific maple? Any help will be much appreciated. As I said, this is my first plant and I inherited from my grandfather so I would not like to see it die. Thank you.

PS. My plant had a small bout with aphids. I sprayed them with soapy water a few times and they died off. Thank you.
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    [See the HortiPlex page for Acer palmatum]