Coral bark maple. Cuttings?

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PJM Raleigh, NC Mar 10, 2010

Hi, I Have a beautifull red coral bark maple that needs some minor pruning. Could i take cuttings?I have a small greenhouse.I Remember in High school Growing cutttings with rootone in a gardening class. Wish i paid more attention .Any info would be great! Thanks

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landscapetech55 Toronto, Canada Mar 31, 2010

Rooting cuttings can be a very fun and very easy - depending on the type of plant. Willows, for example, will root like crazy - a live branch driven into the ground will sprout roots and continue growing.

Coral bark maples, along with most japanese maples, are grafted plants (especially in areas with cold winters.) You may be able to root your cutting, but it would most likely be unable to survive on its own root system. You can try, however. Also - most plant species root best when the cutting is taken in the late fall (for outdoor plants.) Your coral bark maple, however, roots best in the early spring. (There is a 2-3 week "window," after buds have begun to form but before leaf break.)

make sure the cutting is 4" long or so;
no more than 1/4" wide;
has a "growing tip;"

scrape the bark of the bottom 1" of the cutting piece. after dipping it into rooting gel or powder, place into loose, wet soil or grow media. To get this species of tree to root, constant misting is required. Automatic misters can be purchased at some garden centres and hydroponic shops - otherwise, be prepared to mist the cuttings up to 10 times a day.

It is important that the cuttings do not receive too much light while they are rooting as this disturbs the natural hormone cycles that enable them to sprout roots in the first place.

Hope I haven't discouraged you from experimenting with cuttings and plant production because it is really a wonderful experience! I'd advise you to start with a willow or other easily rooted plant, however :)

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