Bonsai Trees Care

There are three methods one can use to propagate Japanese Maples. These methods are growing from seed, air layering and by rooting cuttings. Japanese Maple seeds need to go through a stratifying process. To do this, one would need to first place the seed in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel or damp sand in it. This bag is then placed in a dark area of ones refrigerator. This simulates winter for the dormant period for the seed. If sprouts start growing in the bag (usually after 60 days), then the seeds are ready to plant. If not, then they will be ready to plant in 90 days.

Air layering is a method that is done on live Japanese Maples. One should select a large and mature tree before air layering because it can damage a young Maple beyond repair. To air layer, one selects a limb that is about ½ inch in diameter. About 2 feet from the tip of the limb, cut a ½ inch section of bark off one side of the limb, wrap this section in damp peat moss and then cover with plastic. This will form a damp bag over the area; seal this with tape to prevent the moisture from evaporating. Within 6 to 9 months, you should see tiny roots through the bag; the roots have grown from the limb where the bark was removed. Once you see the bag filled with roots, cut the limb, remove the bag and transplant into a 1-gallon pot.

To root cuttings, one would need to cut the tips of the Japanese Maple limbs to get the newest growth. These cuttings should be 6 inches in length. Taking a razor, slice a small ¼ inch section of bark off the ends of the cuttings. Dip the ends in rooting compound and place the ends about 2 inches deep in your rooting bed. A rooting bed can be made of plastic tubs, or one can build a wooden frame. The soil in the rooting bed should consist of 50% sand and 50% peat moss. Cuttings should be placed 6 inches apart. Mist your cuttings twice a day for a full year, once a year has passed your cuttings should have grown plenty of roots to ensure that you have a high rate of success when transplanting your cuttings to pots.