Garden & Landscape plant articles > Making cuttings from Japanese Maple tree

How to take cutting from a Japanese Maple tree

Hi,

 

     I have a Japanese Maple tree that I am trying to strike a cutting from, as we are moving.   The tree was given to me when my father died so I would like to keep it with me.    Can you tell me the best time to take a cutting and what is the best procedure to make sure that it grows.    Thankyou Sue

 

Answer:

 

Hi Sue,

 

            Yes it is possible to take cutting from Japanese Maples and they normally take very well.    Most importantly you will need to take any cuttings in Winter once the tree has lost it's leaves.    Take a cutting from a section of the branch which has hard wood or semi-hard wood (not the soft branches).    Make sure the cutting is taken with nice sharp pruners.     Dip your pruners in a bit of bleach to make sure they are clean.    Now place the cuttings in the bottom of the fridge for a around 6 weeks.    I would suggest taking a number of cuttings.    You can then choose the best one to transplant.    You will notice that after around 6 weeks a small lump develops on the base of the cutting,  this is where new roots will grow from.    Put the cutting into a pot with a mix of sand, river gravel and peat in the ratio of 50%, 20%, 30% (total 100%).    Then place in a warm but not overly sunny position, water well.     If your plant develops leaves, do not touch it at his point, wait till it starts to grow new branches,  you can now transplant it into a larger pot and fertilise with liquid fertiliser.  

 

Regards

Gardenguide

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