Starting Japanese Maple hardwood cuttings indoors

[Trenell]

Hey guys,

I collected some Deshojo Maple cuttings last October and some Katsura cuttings about a month ago, and I planted them in the same growing box right after collecting. Now, a few months have passed, and the buds on the Deshojo cuttings are starting to look unhealthy, while the Katsura cuttings are going strong. Spring is still pretty far away, and I don’t want to give up on my Deshojo cuttings. Is it possible to bring the cuttings inside and place them in front of a window? This way, I could artificially mimic the arrival of spring and give the Deshojo cuttings a chance to root.

This is my first attempt at starting hardwood cuttings, and I would really appreciate some advice!
Thanks a lot!

 

[bonsaiwood]

Depending on your climate, you may want to keep them outdoors.
Does it freeze?
If the cuttings are exposed to winter temperatures below freezing (or regularly near freezing) they could die. Keeping them protected from frost in a small greenhouse or shed would be your safest bet.
Keep in mind that some cultivars are more challenging to root than others.

 

[Trenell]

Depending on your climate, you may want to keep them outdoors.
Does it freeze?
If the cuttings are exposed to winter temperatures below freezing (or regularly near freezing) they could die. Keeping them protected from frost in a small greenhouse or shed would be your safest bet.
Keep in mind that some cultivars are more challenging to root than others.

As of right now, the growing box with the cuttings is stored on my balcony. Sadly, I dont have a greenhouse or shed to put them in, but to shelter them somewhat I wrapped the box in a jacket. The temperature is below freezing every night and just slightly above freezing during the day. Why do you think that taking them inside is a bad idea? Does the window not let enough light through?

 

[BrightsideB]

You can stimulate them to start growing to early with the temperature and the light indoors isn’t sufficient for healthy leaf and tree development. It’s safe to bring them inside during spring once leaves emerge and temps are below freezing. It protects the foliage but only for short durations just to keep the soft tissue on new leaves from freezing.