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
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.
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.
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.
From one rooted heart to another,
– David LockeRealtor, Locke and Key Associates | Blogger at Boots and Bow Ties
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