Propagating Acers - few dieing off quickly.
somapop
Posts: 71
Hi folks.
We were bought an acer (Aureum) last year by my mum. She really liked it and wished she'd bought one for herself. Unfortunately, the garden centre never stocked them again (I'm sure she could order one online if she wished). I said I would take cuttings from ours and pass one on once established.
This acer is both really pretty (leaf shape and colours) but also very fast growing (it's been well fed to be fair!). I'm new to propagating, but conscious of time and equipment. Following a few guidelines, I've cut 4 inch new growth sections (they're red when new, before turning green as they grow) just beneath leaf nodes, dipped in rooting hormones then places in a pots (pinching out the soft tips).
I initially placed a clear bag over them and sprayed them twice a day. However, the stems have turned black on all but one (4 cuttings) and wilted beyond repair. I've a feeling the bags were not helping (they crumbled in on top of the cutting) so I've now replaced them with plastic bottles cut in half. This helps me keep an eye on them so I can spray them (usually in the morning and evening a few times).
They're situated on top of a fridge in our tiny back porch (one of those PVC with a thick perspex 'roof'). Not sure if they're getting too much warmth in there (especially over the past few days) and whether I should keep them on the floor rather on top of the fridge? Or am I over thinking this a little? Perhaps the bags were the issue?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
I've attached a pic - the open pot makes the plant look more wilted than it actually is, these two are (so far) doing ok since I've used the bottle method.
Thanks.
Posts
Not sure if acers grow well from cuttings, the fancy ones are grafted. I'd try them outside in the shade if you have another try.
In the sticks near Peterborough
^^ Oh no! I thought this might be one of the easier plants to propagate! I've had limited success with just here's, but then they were all sat on a window sill, facing direct sun for a while.
When you say outside, should I keep them in the pots and with the lids on?
Many thanks.
My second batch of cuttings seem to be doing a little better (one especially). I read a few things recently and there does seem to be a little 'debate' as to whether you can successfully propagate acers (as most are indeed grafted). One or two conversations suggest even if successful the root system won't be that strong?
Anyway, I've added a pic of one of the Acer Aureum cuttings which has started to grow new leaves (after around 2 weeks in the pot - in a 'conservatory porch, under plastic bottles and sprayed several times a day).
Mabye this one is doing better as I cut it with larger leaves?
If you look at the pic, there are several new leaves growing in the centre (the two large leaves are the originals from the cutting). What do you think? Are they on the way to being a successful cutting? Shall I keep this one as it is for a few more weeks?
Many thanks.
Don't think I would be covering them - too hot and humid. At this time of year - outside in a sheltered spot would be better I would have thought, unless the weather's vile like it is here.
I think they'd revert too, which is probably why they're normally grafted.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Would they still need misting/spraying when outside or should just leave them to it (sheltered spot)?
Sorry - what do you mean by 'revert'?
Many thanks!