Devil's in the details-maple cuttings?

mskovan

Most of the questions I had on this topic were answered by other posts to this board. Just have a couple of specific details I need clarified with respect to Japanese maple cuttings.
(1) Where should the cut on the stem be in relation to the nearest node, above, right below, through or doesn't matter?
(2) I have noticed that there are different types of root hormone. I'm using Shultz TakeRoot. Is there one that is better for Japanese maple?
(3) When cuttings leaf out will they only produce leaves that the new roots can sustain or should some effort be made to reduce leaf area? (wishfull thinking?)
Thanks.......Mike

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TreeBay

In my experience, with most cuttings, the roots will emerge in the vicinity of a node, so it is a good idea to cut close enough such that one node will be well buried in the soil. They are best cut with a chamfer on two angles (45 and 60) to increase the surface area of cambium exposed as opposed to a straight uct. They also tend to plant at an angle to increase the apparent "depth" of the soil a little. Be sure to use sterile soil mix.

You'll see words like IAA (heteroauxin), IBA and IPA and NAA used in rooting hormone compounds and solutions. The strength varies depending on whether the age of the wood and the difficulty in rooting. I can't say much about the benefits of either. It would take a side-by-side comparison under similar conditions. Maybe someone else can comment.

1H-indole-3-acetic acid: (IAA) induces root growth in cuttings

1H-indole-3-butanoic acid: (IBA) similar to IAA.

1-napthalenacetic acid: (NAA) an auxin that promotes rooting

There is some useful information over at bonsaiTALK Links under Propagation->Cuttings and also here:

http://www.rooting-hormones.com

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mskovan

* * *Thanks a bunch for the quick replies Matt (how do you find time to do anything else?) The answer about where to cut is one I've been chasing for some time. The hormone I'm using is the IBA stuff. I'm guessing it's probably six of one, half dozen of the other.
* * *As for sterile soil mix, is that something you buy or something you make? I've been using those expanding peat discs, but haven't had much success. Only one take out of 15 or so. I would really like to do better this year.
* * *Would air layering sacrifice growth be more productive than cutting it? Seems like it should be because it's more of a pain to do.
* * *Anybody who wants to, jump right in and give Matt a break. I'm starting to feel like a pest.....Mike

MushaMan

I have used the expandable peat pellets before and have never had a problem with sterility in my cuttings. However, i don't really suggest those peat pellets, they tend to hold too much moisture and allow no air to the interior. No air, no roots. Recently I have only used one product for my cuttings. I bought these plugs at a nearby Hydroponics store, which are synthetic, and have rooting hormones and goodies built in. they even come premoistened. Since i switched over i have had alot of success. professionals make these things so we don't have to deal with it. i suggest finding somethign similar. Try nurseries, Hydro stores, etc.
As for the japanese maple, i am getting ready to take an air layering off a japanese maple in my front yard, i'll try and get pics on here when i do. Air layering is great, the possibilities are much greater than with cloning with cuttings.