Japanese maple - easy propagation via cuttings

Japanese maple - easy propagation via cuttings

Choose soft cuttings

The optimal time for propagating cuttings is late spring or early summer, when the fresh shoots of the mother tree are not yet mature. For the propagation of the Japanese maple, soft, possibly slightly woody branches are best, which is why the ideal period for this project is the weeks between the end of May and the end of June. Proceed as follows:

  • Cut off a fresh shoot about four to six inches long.
  • This should still be green and soft.
  • The cut surface should be kept as inclined as possible.
  • Remove all but two or three of the leaves.
  • For varieties with very large leaves, you can cut the two remaining ones in the middle.
  • This will prevent excessive evaporation from the foliage.
  • Dip the cut surface in a rooting powder.
  • Put the prepared cuttings in pots with fine lava granules. (€ 10.95 at Amazon *)
  • Alternatively, you can also use potting soil.
  • Place the plant pots in a bright and warm place, but not in direct sunlight.
  • Covering with foil, for example, ensures higher humidity.
  • However, this is not absolutely necessary.
  • Keep the substrate slightly moist.

also read

  • Japanese maple easily propagated from cuttings
  • Japanese maple - Propagation via cuttings is possible
  • Japanese maple - location, plants, propagation

The cuttings will take root in about eight weeks and then be ready for repotting.

Plant out young Japanese maples in the following spring

Provided that you have cut the cuttings early enough and the rooting has taken place quickly, you can then immediately plant the young plant in the garden. But then it should get good protection over the winter. However, it is better to overwinter the cutting in a cool but frost-free place and to plant it out the following spring. At this point, the plant was able to develop sufficiently strong and strong roots that can now quickly gain a foothold in the garden soil (or in a larger container).

Tips

Cuttings are also ideal to use as a basis for growing a bonsai. The dwarf varieties of the Japanese maple are particularly suitable for this.