Japanese Maple - Summer Progression

Back In April I posted some questions about a Japanese Maple I purchased. I received the advice that I should air Layer the tree to start. I followed that advice and wanted to show my summer progress on this tree. This is my first real try at Bonsai, and while I'm just in the beginning stages and working with growing the trunk I'm very excited about my progress. My entire hope currently has been to not kill it, lol. However, In my Air layering attempt not only have I not killed it, but I believe it to be healthily growing and handling its treatment well. Its still in the pot I bought it in, and I use a general plant food mixed with water every couple of weeks. I'm sure the real test will be weather or not both portions of the tree come back next year, I have nothing more planned for them before winter. Anyway, Please comment, I'm looking for thoughts, and advice as to where to head with this next year!
Original Question Thread

April 18- Just bought and brought home.





May 12 - Started Air Layer



June 18- Photo Update




August 3- I decided in preparation of splitting off the air layer, that I should trim back the tree. I decided to do this as I did not think the new roots would be able to sustain the entire upper half of the tree.


August 17- Removed the top portion of the tree. I want to give the tree a full month to settle into its pot before winter, so I chose this date as the latest I could let it stay connected while still being sure to give it a full month.

Congratulations on your airlayering! Now you have two!

Good job! Air layering can yield you a much more developed tree in a much shorter time span. One word of advise tho, When you seperate the top section you should reduce the amount of leaves so the the tree can make all the new feeder roots it will need. With less leaves there will less demand for water. In no time the tree will rebuild all the removed leaves and more.

Mitch

If you are in souther PA you probably will have more than a month to work with it. I finally put mine in outdoor winter storage around late November. Once in a while there may be a cold snap, so be mindful of the temps and think about taking the new trees in overnight. Otherwise you may lose any new growth that should result from thinning the foliage. The new growth needs time to harden off or they will freeze and die back.
You could probably put the new tree in the ground and it would fare better overwintering than in a pot, both roots and foliage. Just a thought. Nice job!

Super job! Looks like you got some good rooting going on there.

Just remember to keep the tree out of full sun & wind for the first weeks; The roots cannot sustain a plant under stressfull situations yet. Also: Tie the tree to the pot; Otherwise a windgust may spin it, breaking the still delicate roots.