Acer P, Propagation from Cuttings

“The Beauty of Acer Palmatum”, Harumi Miyou, Bonsai Today 64, 1996

Propagation from cuttings:

  • Best time of year: before spring budding, or summer after shoots are matured.

  • Use branches that split in two; choose central parts with the shortest internodes—let one grow as a future sacrifice branch, so the base will thicken quickly.

  • Straight cut or slight angle

  • Clay pot or wood box.

  • Drainage layer on the bottom. Recommends sifted fine akadama, but place the sifted dust back on top.

  • Spring cuttings that root may transplant the same fall—plant in individual pots.

  • Balance roots so that one or a few are not longer or stronger than others.

Michael Wei