How to Propagate a Japanese Maple: A Sentimental Solution When You Can't Take the Whole Tree

David Locke
21 minutes ago
3 min read

By David Locke | Realtor, Locke and Key Associates | Blogger at Boots and Bow Ties*

As a Realtor, I often help families make tough decisions when moving. One recent client had a heartfelt attachment to a stunning, mature Japanese maple in their yard—planted years ago by her late father. Uprooting the tree was next to impossible, but I offered a meaningful alternative: **propagate cuttings from the tree and take the legacy with her.** It’s a beautiful way to carry a piece of your history to your new home.

Here’s how you can do it too. With a little patience and care, you can grow a new Japanese maple from a cutting of the original tree—keeping memories rooted wherever you go.

🧤 What You’ll Need:

* Sharp, sterilized pruning shears

* Rooting hormone (powder or gel)

* Small pots with drainage holes

* A mix of peat moss and perlite or a seed-starting mix

* Plastic bags or a propagation dome

* Spray bottle

* A warm, shaded spot with indirect light

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🌱 Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating a Japanese Maple from Cuttings:

1. Choose the Right Time

Take softwood cuttings in **late spring to early summer**, when the tree is actively growing. This is when the branches are flexible and green but not too woody.

2. Snip the Cutting

Select a healthy, non-flowering branch and snip about a **6-inch cutting** from the tip. Be sure to cut just below a leaf node (where leaves meet the stem).

3. Prep the Cutting

* Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.

* Dip the cut end into **rooting hormone** to encourage new root growth. Tap off any excess.

4. Plant the Cutting

* Fill a small pot with your dampened soil mix.

* Insert the cutting about 2 inches deep.

* Lightly press the soil around the base to hold it in place.

5. Create a Humid Environment

* Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or place it under a humidity dome.

* Be sure the plastic doesn't touch the cutting—use sticks or stakes to keep it lifted if needed.

* This mini greenhouse effect keeps moisture in while the cutting develops roots.

6. Care and Patience

* Place the pot in a **warm, shaded area**—no direct sun.

* Mist the soil and cutting lightly every few days to keep it moist (not soggy).

* Be patient. It can take **6–8 weeks** for roots to form.

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🌳 Next Steps:

Once the cutting establishes roots and begins showing new growth, you can gradually harden it off by removing the plastic for longer periods each day. After a few weeks, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into the ground in its new home.

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🌸 Why This Matters:

Moving doesn’t have to mean leaving memories behind. With a propagated Japanese maple, you can keep a living legacy—and a piece of your family’s story—growing for years to come.

If you're facing a move and looking for creative ways to keep what matters most, I'm here to help—whether it's finding the perfect house, creating curb appeal, or preserving a piece of your past.