The Japanese maple - which includes various species, such as Japanese fan maple - is not only cultivated in the Far East, but also in this country in gardens or tubs. However, the distinctive, mostly small shrubs with their filigree foliage and impressive autumn colors are not exactly cheap to buy. Fortunately, Japanese maples are quite easy to propagate from cuttings.

Spring is the best time to take cuttings for Japanese maple propagation

Choose soft cuttings

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

  • Cut off a fresh shoot about 10 to 15 centimeters long.
  • It should still be green and soft.
  • The cut surface should be kept as slanted as possible.
  • Remove all but a maximum of two or three leaves.
  • For varieties with very large leaves, you can also cut the two remaining leaves in half.
  • This will prevent too much evaporation from the foliage.
  • Dip the cut surface in a rooting powder.
  • Put the prepared cuttings in pots with fine lava granules.(13.99€)
  • Alternatively, you can also use potting soil.
  • Keep the plant pots bright and warm, but not in direct sunlight.
  • A cover with foil, for example, ensures higher humidity.
  • However, this is not absolutely necessary.
  • Keep the substrate slightly moist.

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

Plant out young Japanese maples the following spring

Provided 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 cuttings in a cool but frost-free place and only plant them out in the following spring. At this point, the plant was able to develop sufficiently strong and strong roots, which can now quickly gain a foothold in the garden soil (or in a larger bucket).

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.

Category:

Trees