Gardening doesn’t have to cost the earth. Modern trends often lead individuals to want instant gardens, full of mature trees and shrubs, ready to flower perennials, and a large hole in the pocket. This is by no means a cheap option, and the consumers are often those that aren’t gardeners themselves but want to have that instant, modern and attractive look. But for those happy to be patient, happy to nurture their young plants into mature and healthy specimens, propagation is an ideal method. It takes longer and requires more effort but can be hugely worthwhile in the long term. It allows for plants to be hand reared, often costing only the compost, pots and root powder if necessary.
The Acer, or Japanese maple as it may be referred to, is often an aspirational plant. Coming in a variety of gorgeous tones, from vivid green to deep reds, it often finds itself as a centre piece, and an integral member of any Japanese themed garden. Large plants can be hugely expensive, with smaller and younger tree’s still costing a reasonable amount, possibly beyond your means. If saving the pennies is on your mind, especially in the current economic climate, propagation may be the way forward.
Cuttings may be taken from a tree you already have, or perhaps a friend or relatives. Always make sure that you ask permission before snipping away at their price gem. Carefully locating new growth on the tree, find lengths that can be used for cuttings of between 6 – 8 inches. Supple, new growth allows for the development of new shoots, and therefore roots, in your cuttings. For this reason hardened, woody stems should not be used. Find a leaf nodule or stem intersection, and making an angular cut, take the cutting off just above. This will form the base of your new plant.
To encourage new root growth, rather than putting energy into existing vegetation, take off all foliage apart from the last two leaves. Cut the stem down to size, a maximum of 8 inches, again cutting an angular snip above a leaf nodule if needed. Once your cutting is prepared, dip into rooting powder or formulae which is available at most nurseries, and pop into moist compost. The stem should be pushed into the soil between one to two inches below the surface.
Keeping moist and well away from sunny, hot conditions, the first roots should start to appear after eight weeks. The remaining leaves may start to wilt and die off. Simply leave the cutting well alone and undisturbed for the two months, at which time, if rooting has succeeded, new growth will start to appear signalling the first steps in your maple’s new life.
Ideally take several cuttings, as not all will succeed. Though, as with all cuttings, your plants will take long and require more effort to flourish, the pride of growing one’s own plants cannot be ignored. A simple, small Japanese maple will continue to mature over decades, and the knowledge that it was grown, from its very first roots, by you, is one of the most enjoyable parts of gardening.
