AusBonsai

Hey everybody
Havent posted anything in ages becuase highschool is pretty hectic but i cut my japanese maple layer the other day and it has gone CRAZY!! There was a massive amount of roots so i just stuck it into a big black pot and will let it grow for another year!
Any advice or tips on what to do would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks mason

Let it grow till next winter to establish and then Start work on it
If you see any places where Wire is needed to add movement / then you can put some on loosely for a while but watch it to make sure is does not cut in

Ken

Hey Mason,

You left Mudgee and the rains came! The place is so green it looks like Ireland.

My suggestions would be to keep it under shade for the year, under a tree where it gets speckled light is best. Extremely careful with watering. Do not touch it, move it, not even wire it, for the year. I've found maple from layers or cuttings need a full year for the roots to harden off (especially cultivars). They are extremely sensitive to fungal attacks at this stage. Do not fertilize until January, and only use a quarter strength solution of whatever it is you regularly use.

Good luck with it

Paul

Good on you Mason. It is exciting when something you do works out well. Everything that Paul said is very sound advice. Aerial layer roots take a long time to develop and stabilise. Make sure the tree is stable and protected from winds. Even a support is sound advise. I usually leave a long piece of trunk on the bottom of my layers as it helps stabilise the tree in the grow pot.

Hi Mason
Keeping the new layer stable in the pot is a must.
I put holes in the side of a plastic pot to cross tie the layer in position so it can’t move or if the layer is small I place stones around the base holding the trunk, this also retains moisture.
Barry

hey guys...thanks for the advice. I have put it under a big tree out the front and have got it protected by part of our house....i will keep u guys updated
By Mason