Japanese Maple Propagation

HI, how can I propagate a Japaneses Maple from a cutting?
I would like to start a JM Bonzai Tree, can I root a cutting in water?

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Japanese maple is a bit difficult to propagate by cuttings. There is a ***FAQ*** item down around #25 that should be helpful.

I have never known Acer palmatum to root in water. *Somebody had a serissa rooting in water over at IBC, and you could potentially root a bald cypress or willow in water, but most trees would just wilt and die.

You want to take some succulent cuttings not quite a year old. *Get the thickest ones you can find and cut the ends at an oblique angle with a sharp grafting knife or razor about 3/8 inch below the second *node from the end. Reduce the leaf count to just one pair, and if they are large, trim them down to about 3/4 inch. *Dip some rooting hormone on the cut end of the cutting.. *You can findo Hormex and Dip N Gro over at ***CHARLEY***

You need a prepared bed of well draining pumice or perlite, and a some kind of mini-greenhouse to contain the planting tray to keep the humidity up. *You can check ***CHARLEY*** for some possible propagators.

Next you plant the cuttings up well past that lowest node. *The soil should remain damp, but not soggy. *You want something that drains well so that you can water frequently. *Bottom heat or mist would be more than helpful. * Anything that comes in contact with the cutting should be sanitized.

The danger is that the cuttings will succumb to fungus or dieback before they root. *So the addition of Captan or Benomyl to the rooting medium may improve your odds.

Keep the seeding tray in a bright, cool place. *Not in full sun and not in deep shade. *Dappled sun or open shade is fine.

Matt

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THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

trentcannon

where is charley?!

jk.. but where can i get rooting hormone?

camikins

Thanks for the info - I too am interested in making a go of JP Maple cuttings.
I'm in zone 8(a) Vancouver Island. A related question:

What time of year would you recommend taking the cuttings? I've taken and successfully rooted azalea, cotoneaster and ivy by taking cuttings in late fall and letting them root over the winter. How does JP Maple do if taking fall cuttings?

Thanks.
Cam.