Acer Palmatum Cutting - Stored Energy or True New Buds

[Firstflush]

These are dead. However, these 1” plus cuttings pushed 4-5 inches.
We shall see.

 

[Firstflush]

Can this much growth still be stored energy?

 

[leatherback]

Can this much growth still be stored energy?

Or newly captures energy. Just because it is a cutting, does not mean there is no photosynthesis. The main challenge is keep the thing hydrated.
I hope with you it is rooting. It must be the biggest AP cutting I have seen rooting. I doubt it is. I have seen plenty of hardwood cuttings push 4 inches in the first weeks to then fail after 6-8 weeks without a single root.

 

[Firstflush]

Collected 7/3