Japanese maples do quite well in pots...or at least the smaller cultivars. Although, you have to check the roots every couple of years, and root prune to prevent choking if necessary. I would suggest a weeping variety or a dwarf.

BTW I would suggest around a 5 gal size tree and a pot about twice that size...although you may have to upsize the pot in a few years.

I also forgot to mention that I just got from a nursery in NC a Pixie dwarf JM. It is only 9 inches in height, just a baby. We planted it in a small pot. When would you suggest re-potting it...in a year or two... also what is the Japanese name for this specific dwarf?

What you want to do is check the roots to see if they are starting to encirle the edge of the pot. If they are, it is time to repot (or if larger root prune). Probably you will need to repot it every couple of years (and this should be done in the fall or late winter, although it can be successfuly done anytime).

This is an american introduction if I'm not mistaken (or possibly european) and it's real name is Acer palmatum 'Pixie'. Many newer cultivars were developed in the west and therefore have english names (along with some italian, german, etc).

Look for dwarf and weeping culitvars and only upsize the pot on any rootbound Japanese Maple by a few inches if at all possible. In the nursery trade (from a nursery friend) they call it overpotting and it can kill JM if the roots stay wet from being in a pot that is too large. I learned the hard way. Also only plant it in a potting mix that drains well when watered and make sure that you are consistent with your watering schedule with your potted JM. They are much more sensitive to stress and will throw their leaves or leaf burn quite quickly if too wet or too dry. Containers also seems to make them more sensitive to high nitrogen fertilizers (learned the hard way again). They are generally hardy and most cultivars are supposed to handle temps to around -15 so if and when it gets below zero, I would suggest wrapping and/or mulching your container to protect the wintering roots. Also, if you like Pixie, look at Shaina.
Justin

thanks Matt for your advise. the Pixie is potted in a small pot right now, about 12 inches or so. Would that be ok for a couple of years.. also I did not put crushed stone at the bottom of the pot because its a bit shallow to begin with... should I do that now or will it be fine?

I just ordered a Shaina. I was told it was about 18" high. What size pot should I replant it? Also, I have tree an shrub mix for soil, which is what I planted my pixie and tam in. so far, so good.

Stacey