Japanese Maples in Africa, AKA Masochism

robdylan

Hi All

I've seen a lot of tips and articles about propagating Japanese Maples by cuttings/air layerings. I guess most of you stay in the cooler climes of the Northern hemisphere, which is much more suited to this variety.

Anyone have any tips on how to successfully propagate and grow these beauftiful trees in warmer climates, such as South Africa?

Thanks
Rob

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Bonsainut

Rob,
Acer palmatum in the heat ,eh? Why not. What I do is be sure the trees are very well fed and healthy and when leaf burn happens each summer I defoliate. Leave the tree in the full sun as the new leaves come out.

They will be strong and tough and half size and make it to fall ---when they burn again and you hide it away until spring. Thats my best advice.

P.S. I use the rest of the rain water up slowly and lastly on the maples.

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Keep growing,---'Nut



Lethal Use of Farce

robdylan

Hi Nut


Thanks for the reply. How hot is hot where you are? We get temperatures of above 30C in midsummer (which is about 86F if I've converted right). I tried the defolitation trick this year and one of my trees seems to have responded well.... waiting for the others to leaf out again.

What sort of feeding routine do you use? Also, have you managed to get Maple cuttings to strike in these sorts of temperatures? I'm assuming bottom heat really isn't necessary. I'm finding it hard to get the light/temperature ratio right, though.

Thanks again
Rob

bonsaial1

Hi there South Africa. I live in the central valley California. I get prolonged summer temps of over 105 for weeks at a time. I keep both the palmatums and the trident variety. The tridents tend to be tougher and can stand higher temps.
86 F. would be perfect for maples. You may have drier heat so some humidity may in order like drip trays under the plants in summer.

Good luck, Al Keppler

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