The Best Way to Root Japanese Maples

Foliage of red Japanese maple.

The Japanese maple roots easily from seeds or cuttings. Consider starting it from seed if time is not a factor. If you are anxious for a maple in the landscape, this may be accomplished more quickly through cuttings.

Rooting From Cuttings

Summer cuttings of the Japanese maple.

Softwood, or new growth, cuttings may be taken in late spring or early summer. Hardwood, or established growth, cuttings are best taken in autumn. horticulturist Michael Dirr, Ph.D. indicates that softwood cuttings are easiest to root. "Timing is critical," he writes in the "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants."

Planting the Cutting

Cuttings of maple tree.

The earlier in the season cuttings are taken, the more time they have to root. Treat the bottom of cutting with rooting hormone indole-3-butyric acid, and then place into a peat and perlite soilless medium in containers.

Humidity for the Cuttings

Fully grown maple tree in sutumn.

Humidity increases optimum rooting. Pots should go into a misting or high humidity situation. If a greenhouse with misting system is not available, consider covering the cuttings with a milk jug or clear dome cover to retain humidity.

References

• North Carolina State University: Plant Propagation by Stem Cuttings: Instructions for the Home Gardener
• Cornell University: Making a New Tree:Reproduction and Cloning
• "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants"; Michael A. Dirr; 1998

Resources

• Sooner Plant Farm: Japanese Maple Tree Care, Facts and Growing Tips