How to Propagate Japanese Maples from Cuttings

I describe how to propagate Japanese maples from cuttings, following Vertrees' instructions. I also create some Amur maple cuttings. We'll see if I'm successfully in a couple months.

[@n8tyler]

Eager to see how your cutting work out...Thanks...

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

Me too! Several weeks later, the leaves on all of my maple cuttings (standard JM, Yuri Hime JM, and Amur Maple) are all still looking healthy and alive. So hopefully some roots are growing! I plan to give an update, whether successful or not, in the future.

[@bullpuppy7455]

Did it work!?!?!?

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

The leaves still look green and healthy after a few weeks, so it hasn't NOT worked yet! Honestly, I'm not sure how long it takes - I need to do some research. Maybe there are roots, but if so, they are young and tender and I don't want to damage them by prematurely pulling them up.
I've had success with several other species, but I generally take the cutting and then forget about it for a few months before checking (And usually I know it's been successful because it starts growing leaves). I will definitely do a quick update reporting my results, whether successful or not.

[@backbudbonsai]

MAPLES MAPLES MAPLES! Maples are my favorite tree. Thanks for sharing how u do cuttings

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

I'm with you, Japanese maples my favorite. This is my first time trying JM cuttings, we'll see how it goes.

[@edmundblackaddercoc8522]

A couple of tips:
Let the cuttings soak in water for a couple of hours.
Mix some chopped sphagnum moss in with your soil mix,retains moisture.

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

Thanks for the tips - both good ideas. Have you had better success through soaking and/or using sphagnum moss?

[@edmundblackaddercoc8522]

@@BonsaiNorthwest I do both, the soaking means they absord lots of water pre planting, the chopped sphagnum moss is not only moisture retentive but also anti bacterial,slows down root rot. I've been collecting and growing Bonsai for 25 years, I specialise in Satsuki Azalea's I just grow maples to grow on or give away as they root and grow so quickly. Good luck👍

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

@@edmundblackaddercoc8522 I didn't consider sphagnum's antiseptic properties - next time. Thanks!

[@mynameisdork4131]

I hope they root, can't wait to see the update 😊

[@BonsaiNorthwest]

Me too! I plan to give an update in a few months, whether successful or unsuccessful. I recently took some more cuttings from my Yuri Hime Japanese Maple as well - I'm really hoping even one roots as I really love the cultivar.

[@mynameisdork4131]

@@BonsaiNorthwest Ooh, looking forward to seeing both of those 😊