Growing a stunning Red Japanese Maple from seed can feel like it takes forever. If you’re looking for a shortcut to expand your garden, propagating from cuttings is a much faster way to go. Here’s my go-to guide on how to take cuttings and successfully grow your own Japanese Maple clones.
How to Take Your Japanese Maple Cuttings
The best time to take cuttings from your Japanese Maple is in June. Before you start, grab a sharp pair of pruning shears and make sure they’re thoroughly disinfected—clean tools mean healthy plants! Look for a shoot that is “semi-ripe,” meaning it’s not super soft and green, but it hasn’t turned completely woody yet either. Aim for a piece about 8 to 12 inches long and make your cut at a sharp angle.
Prepping and Planting Your Cuttings
Once you’ve got your cuttings, you need to prep them for their new life. Start by stripping off the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. On the top half, leave at least one pair of leaves, but trim those remaining leaves in half. It might look a little funny, but it helps the cutting retain moisture and tells the plant to focus all its energy on growing roots instead of maintaining foliage.
Here’s your step-by-step planting guide:
- First, dip the bottom end of the cutting into some rooting hormone to give it a head start.
- Fill your pots with a good seed-starting mix. I personally like using salt-free lava granulate for great drainage.
- Stick the bottom half of the cutting into the soil.
- Water them regularly, but be careful—you want the soil moist, not soggy.
- For the best results, keep your cuttings in a mini-greenhouse or under a humidity dome.
- Place the pots in a bright, warm spot, but keep them out of direct, scorching sunlight.
Once you see little roots forming and some fresh new growth popping up at the top, your Japanese Maple is ready for its permanent home. Just make sure the ground isn’t too cold when you move it; you definitely want to avoid planting during a frost. These trees also look absolutely stunning grown in containers, making them a perfect focal point for a patio or balcony!
