Planted in open ground, Acer Davidii Snake-bark Maple will make a bigger tree than the Japanese Maples.
I'd agree with your decision to keep it in a pot. Its a big boy for any garden!
I would recommend reading up on Bonsai culture in relation to keeping Acers in pots.
You will read about root pruning - very important for your vigorous specimen.
Per advice given, I keep my Japanese maples dry over winter, and water when buds are about to break into leaf.
Normally, i would advise not to be tempted to let it grow at will, to make height. Prune regularly to develop a small, but broad specimen. Do not let it get out of hand!
However, since the characteristic of your plant is the Snake Bark trunk, then that might be a bad option.
A word of warning - if allowed to grow tall, it will need protection in windy weather. Mine frequently get blown over.
Plastic pots dont break, fortunately! I sink my pots into the ground. That way, they can suck up water, so less reliant on me (aren't they lucky
). However, in this culture, they will produce roots which seek the water source through the holes in the bottom of the pot. They need lifted each year and root pruned.
Acers are shallow rooting plants. In open ground, I hit their roots by forking (weeding) anywhere under their "umbrella" of foliage.
Thus, in a pot, a shallow but wide pot might be a good idea. Good thing about that is, its more stable, less likely to be blown over.
You will learn more from personal experience, of course!!
