japanese maple cuttings are they rooted?

[marc206]

I have 30 cuttings dormant cuttings from a Japanese maple. stuck them I sphagnum moss and 1 month later they're starting to pop out leaves. are they rooted? or should I wait longer?

 

[Poink88]

They are probably not rooted yet and most likely running on stored energy. Do nothing for now and wait till next spring.

 

[Paulpash]

Wait - they are reacting to increased temperatures as are most acers now. Buds have the energy to pop and don't (initially) need the roots to open. I'm presuming you have taken the precaution of raising humidity through the use of a clear plastic covering over the top of your pot (use wire to keep the plastic off the leaves or you'll find they will go to mush)? Without this covering (and roots) the stem will dessicate as water can't be drawn into the cutting. Moss isn't the best rooting media either as it holds a lot of water. I know several people who use vermiculite successfully but you might be lucky - keep us posted on your success.

 

[marc206]

The maple I took it from was not a dwarf variety. I have read that some do root easily. I have about 40 cuttings in two containers. that is why I am concerned. if I wait to long Ill have a forest, which now that I think about it would be kind of fun.

 

[Martin Sweeney]

Marc,

You should wait a while yet. I usually do not see sufficient roots to pot up cuttings until they have 3 or 4 sets of new leaves. Early spring hardwood wood cuttings for Japanese Maples (almost only Arakawa) that I take are usually ready for potting up in the May- early June time frame. I think your climate might be a little earlier than mine, and with your generous rain and humidity you should be fine separating them at that time of year. Good luck!

Regards,
Martin

 

[marc206]

ok thanks ill post the little project on my blog an further updates. thanks a bunch you nuts