Aeroponic Propagation Japanese Maple Rooted Cuttings Explained

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Dang, just realized I uploaded the video without correcting the color glitch in my video editor. Sorry folks!

[@1969hornet]

Awesome! Looking forward to seeing the results. Thanks for sharing!

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Thanks for tuning in! There’s an update in one my Shorts Feed, new update coming soon.

[@nerinat8371]

What a fabulous set-up, look forward to updates on JM, cheers and thx

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Thank you for watching! 📺 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@luckytobehere7948]

Bad ass video AP, when is that merch available? Need to get one of those tank tops haha!

[@acer_p_bonsai]

I definitely need to get some of these made. As soon as I get my stats up high enough, I’ll open a storefront. 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@timbutler3213]

You do such a good job explaining and showing…

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 My main goal is to create the content I wanted when I was starting out. Sometimes I get stuff wrong, and I try little experiments (some don’t always work) so always feel free to come into the comments if you have any knowledge to share! 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@Rojin_Bonsai_Studio]

This is awesome. I never have time for cuttings and seeds etc but I look forward to the update on these 😁

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Thanks for stopping by! I’ll definitely post a follow up video! 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@aguiremedia]

Great vid. Looking forward to your success and follow up vid

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Thank you! I’ll keep you posted!! Occasional story updates on IG same username. 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@GritCityBonsai]

Good luck! Cannot wait to see the results. Hubbles Super Cork is phenomenal if you like chunky gnarly bark for sure. They bark up fast and thick!

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Looking forward to seeing how well it roots. Thanks for tuning in, Steve! 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@ryanlee1865]

I like this idea! Curious of the success rate vs a traditional method of puting them in substrate.

[@acer_p_bonsai]

I made about 30-40 cuttings last autumn on second flush growth…was the first time trialing it. The best part is you can set it and forget it; basically just check it weekly for water level and roots. I’ll do follow up videos.

[@mihai7km]

Waiting for the results. Nice video, thx!

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Had to go out of town for work for a few days. Already had about 6-8 with roots starting on day 16.

[@thebonsaiarea]

nice project keep growing 💪

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Thanks for tuning in! 📺 🪴 🍁

[@Maples-and-cats]

always nice to get new information...thanks man..i wish you best of luck with your new system!!!🍁🍁🍁🌳🌳🌳

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Thank you. I got my first trial run with it last fall on second flush growth. This year is the true test for spring growth cuttings! 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@antiduckable]

Just the video i needed! I had no success with my Beni-Chidori cuttings this year... I just bought another plant, a little 20 cell aeronic propagator, and set up my old light and tent 😁

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Excellent! Good luck!! 🍀 🌱 🌱 🌱

[@BlueSky0579]

First time I saw this aeroponic propagator. I tried root cuttings a few times but not successful. Can’t wait to see your next vid on the progress. BTW, can I buy your Beni Chidori cutting when it grows roots?

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Everyone asking for the Beni Chidori 🤣 took me 2 years to find them. I will probably be selling some in 2026 if I am successful with my goals. Thanks for watching 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@backbudbonsai]

Thank you for such a thorough and comprehensive explanation of how u take and care for maple cuttings! I have multiple cultivars of maples that I want to take cuttings of (Arakawa, old school Deshojo and Shishigashira). I've never heard of "Hubbles Super cork" but I am now on the hunt for one!! I don't have the funds to purchase an aeroponic cuttings system or a suitable grow light or a tent for that matter. But I am capable of making a DIY tub (humidity container) to house my cuttings. You mentioned you have your lights on an 18 hr light cycle to simulate summer light. Should I put my "poor mans" container of cuttings in full sun? Thank you, Mr. Acer P Bonsai!! I feel like i hit the jack pot when I first discovered your channel awhile ago!! I find it difficult to get straight forward explanations on many things maple related. Also, a sincere but belated Memorial Day "thank you, for your service!!" I value my freedom and understand the sacrifice that so many have made to allow such freedoms. Thank you, sir, and thank you to anyone else who has also served!! Take care and keep the great videos coming!! PEACE

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Thanks again for the kind feedback. For your cutting tub, absolutely do NOT put it in full sun. Even this monster LED light has nothing on the real sun. You will want your tub in indirect light, so in a full shade location. (It will probably be okay to get some morning sun, so long as it doesn’t heat up too much.) The rooting of cuttings is a multi player battle. The players are: 1) wilting/shriveling due to lack of water. 2) wilting/drying out from excessive transpiration. 3) rot/fungus due to lack of oxygen. 4) stalling out from depleted sugar/energy. 5) Roots growing enough to sustain the plantlet. So the factors I’m trying to capitalize on in my setup: high humidity, so don’t need to worry about withering. Artificial light, so doesn’t generally scorch shoots that were grown in full sun, and without the heat/intensity, but does provide some photosynthesis. Aeroponic, allows constant moisture, but high oxygen (even in higher heat!) so usually less issue with the fungus or black rot. (I got some black rot after a few months last autumn/winter when I tried this setup for the first time.) Best of luck with your cuttings!! 🌱 🌱 🌱 🚿 ☀️ 🍁

[@backbudbonsai]

@@acer_p_bonsaiyou’re a LEGEND! I value and appreciate you taking the time to answer my insignificant questions…….. keep up the great work and thank you.

[@stanleysun8594]

Wow amazing video! Where did you buy your aeroponic system from?

[@acer_p_bonsai]

I bought it on Amazon. Psycloner…and I wish I was sponsored 🤣 but I’m way too small for any brands to care 😝 🪴 🍁

[@stanleysun8594]

@@acer_p_bonsai Thank you! Everyone has to start somewhere! With all this great content you are putting out I am sure you are on the right path

[@heartwooden]

Beni Chidori is a rare cultivar here in Canada. Wondering where you got yours

[@acer_p_bonsai]

From a friend, but ironically he imported them from Canada Bonsai, 😂 you can find CB on my Instagram if you don’t already follow.

[@heartwooden]

Yeah I follow CB, only that he has very little availability each year. I hope to see this in big grower soon...

[@Chuniekun]

I wonder if it works with bigger cutting

[@acer_p_bonsai]

I imagine it should, but keep in mind that the larger and older a cutting, the lower the success rate. Might need to try a few biggies next year. 🍁

[@Thousand.cranes.bonsai]

Do you think it would be fruitful to do this without the light or the thermometer if the unit could be just kept outside during the summer?

[@acer_p_bonsai]

So, everything I’ve read online says that cuttings root fairly well above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperature. Regarding the light, all the information I’ve found regarding rooted cuttings says full shade (indirect light). My largest concern for outside, would be the temperatures going sky high underneath the humidity dome. This will largely depend on your individual climate. I would caution you against letting the dome get much above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. End of the day, for all rooted cutting setup types (aeroponic, hydroponic, soil media, etc.) you need to have warm consistent temperature, consistent moisture/humidity, and consistent oxygenation to the roots. Now that we’re well into the summer heat, my aquarium heater is not even turning on many nights in our non insulated garage.

[@Thousand.cranes.bonsai]

@@acer_p_bonsaigot it, excellent info. Thank you man!

[@acer_p_bonsai]

@@Thousand.cranes.bonsai happy to share. Best wishes with your propagation

[@Jojosawesomeadventure]

My wife and I are traveling to Japan to enjoy Tokyo and Kyoto, do you have any knowledge on how i can bring some trees with me back to US? I may go on deployment around April so my wife and I just want to make our memories just in case anything happens~

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Legally importing trees from Japan can take 2-3 years due to quarantine requirements. The simple answer is “you can’t.” The longer answer: it’s hard to do, but can be done if you work through an exporter with US based importer/quarantine facility. With all that said, I’ve heard rumors about Japan sourced trees being illegally imported to the U.S. in recent years, but would rather not go there. I’m happy to build my own trees from nursery stock or American made prebonsai. Your best bet is to visit Japan and learn what types of trees you want and then see what quality trees you can find on the U.S. market. Bonsai Auctions on FB is a good place to start. You can also try Nick Sebesta or Ron Nguyen who will be easy to find on the Auction site. If you’re specifically looking for Japanese maples, Ed Clark (Round Valley Nursery) is a good source for chunky trunked pre bonsai.

[@JunesGraphics]

Maybe I missed it but watched multiple times. Do you record the humidity? There is mention of "Since it provides such a nice high humidity diagonal cut not necessary", "Maintain a nice humidity under the lid", and "Nice humidity dome, but tends to dry out a little bit so lift puck" but no numbers. Temps not really mentioned either. I usually clone 75deg, 65% humidity, 60-70deg water temp, ph 6.0 and using hormone + nutrient for 7 days then water change and going straight nutrient. Watching the video it seems Japanese maples need more humidity? Just about to try Japanese maples and not very much info on aeroponic cloning so appreciate your info.

[@acer_p_bonsai]

I don’t measure the humidity. Sorry I don’t have more precise quantitative feedback. Mostly going off of experience. Qualitatively speaking, they like it very humid. When I first tried the system, the leaves withered quickly when trying to maintain humidity by adjusting the lid vents. After I popped up a plug to allow a constant spritz of water in the top section, it maintained humidity perfectly. By perfect, I only mean good enough for a solid outcome on rootage with no leaf wilt. My setup is all about keeping it simple. I don’t have a misting system; if I did, then could probably to dial in better humidity regulation. So the way I have it, the dome stays “foggy” most of the time. Sometimes on hot days the fog/condensation dries, but the humidity is still certainly quite high at all times. The down side is that I get algae buildup. If this was a commercial application and I did this as my day job, I would probably want to run experiments with multiple setups and measure the input factors like you listed above. Feel free to hit me on IG DMs anytime to nerd out on prop science. 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Also, yeah, I had not heard any information on aeroponic propagation for Japanese maples before trying it myself.

[@BeesBonsai]

Nice work! Could I buy a Benichidori cutting or two from you in the future?! Once you get some established for yourself of course.. lol

[@acer_p_bonsai]

I don’t plan to open my sales until 2026. I’ll put the word out when I’m open for business. 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@BeesBonsai]

@@acer_p_bonsai oh ok, I understand that. I will definitely be on the lookout though. If you have some you’re willing to sell before then keep me in mind! 😁lol

[@BeesBonsai]

@@acer_p_bonsai also always willing to trade if that’s something you ever want to consider. Going to take some cutting from a Peggy Clark (double pink flower) ume I have and a strong twisted pomegranate I got from Ed a few years ago (trunks up fast and super vigorous). Just a thought lol Anyways, loving the content and excited to see updates on these

[@marcopaganelli6059]

Wow this setup is super ❤ do you have vids of your beni chidori leafing out in the spring? I could afford a plant from guy Maillot erables but I came too late they were already all sold out and I got than my seigen instead of I don't regret at all but am looking forward to find a nice beni chidori possibly this fall ❤❤🎉🎉

[@acer_p_bonsai]

I do have some photos in my phone. Source was Canada Bonsai 🇨🇦

[@marcopaganelli6059]

@@acer_p_bonsai thank you 🥰

[@highplainsdrifter6577]

Well that’s pretty dang fantastic and exciting!!! 👍🤩👍🍻

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Thank you for tuning in! 📺 🪴 🍁

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Wow - that is reaally interesting. I might have to invest this winter for 2025 :)

[@acer_p_bonsai]

You should! Even if you don’t plan to turn your yard into a garden center, clones from your favorite specimens make great gifts!! 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[@lolpwndk]

"Officer, they're japanese maples, trustme"

[@acer_p_bonsai]

This person gets it! 🤣 🪴 🍁

[@Chuy007GDL]

Great video and great tips!. I’m in SoCal and I’m also looking for Benichidori bro!. If they root your cuttings and if you want to sale let me know. Or if the guy who sold it to you if he got some and want to sale let me know I will appreciate it that!. Thank you for sharing!.

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Hit me up on Instagram, same username, and I can connect you. I’m currently building my stock for growing out into medium pre bonsai, so won’t have any for sale for a few years.

[@Chuy007GDL]

@@acer_p_bonsai Thank you very much Brother!. Benichidori are hard to find in the States. And I’m all ready following you on Instagram. I’ll send you a massage. And keep up the great work and thank you for sharing!.

[@mikeltopia]

Have you had success in the past with this method of propogation?

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Yes, I tired it for the first time last autumn, on second flush growth and got about 40 rooted cuttings, even with some mistakes along the way. Had about 8 Sango Kaku, 10 Deshojo, 4 Nishikigawa, 6 Beni Maiko, and a few random other ones. My biggest problem was I tried to run them through winter under artificial light. Many of them stalled out this spring, so I learned that I can’t skip the dormancy period. I’m hoping spring cuttings will have more time to settle in before winter.

[@deshojo]

👍😉

[@acer_p_bonsai]

Thanks for tuning in! 🙏🏽 📺 🪴 🍁

[@deshojo]

@@acer_p_bonsai Thanks to you. I am making some cuttings in a similar way. I'll try to show them this week on my channel. Greetings 😉

[@acer_p_bonsai]

@deshojo awesome, I’ll keep an eye out! 🍁 👀