What’s going to be more noticeable to the viewer 10 years from now, a graft that is positioned just above ground level because we did an air layer to put it there or a graft halfway up the trunk between the nebari and the first branch?
Arakawa Maple
- Thread starter nover18
- Start date
arakawa *does* air layer well
arakawa *does* easily produce cuttings
arakawa *does* very well on its own roots
a rough bark arakawa with a plain (non-rough bark) nebari is a terrible way to start a bonsai
having not seen the tree, as a general rule always air layer arakawa *above* the graft. If you’re scared to lose the cultivar, you can air layer branches (as opposed to the trunk) and/or take cuttings
arakawa *does* easily produce cuttings
arakawa *does* very well on its own roots
a rough bark arakawa with a plain (non-rough bark) nebari is a terrible way to start a bonsai
having not seen the tree, as a general rule always air layer arakawa *above* the graft. If you’re scared to lose the cultivar, you can air layer branches (as opposed to the trunk) and/or take cuttings
Pitoon
Imperial Masterpiece
A graft is a graft no matter how you look at it. It's a scar that will never go away, if you are willing to spend 10yrs growing a subpar tree.......go for it if that makes you happy.
You are not reading what I wrote very carefully. The discussion about layering below a graft specifically relates to layering a cultivar that is not viable on its own roots. (This does not apply to Arakawa, which is reportedly fine on its own roots.)
Captain.Bonsai
Mame
I just bought 50 Arakawa seeds on eBay for $6 shipped. It’s not the starter plant you asked for, but it could be 50 starters with some patience. The listing said there were 10 (50) packs left. I hope they’re actually Arakawa. I doubt anyone would waste their time selling fake seeds for a few bucks.
Much like yourself, I realize they are rare and expensive when developed. I’m happy to try growing my own for such a cultivar. I look forward to the next 10+ years and all of the possibilities. Fingers crossed.
TyroTinker
Shohin
They probably are real but that doesn’t mean you’ll get any rough bark on them, but it could take years before you’ll know if it is or not. But good luck! I ordered some fresh Arakawa seeds from Sheffield’s they came in a couple weeks ago. I thought maple seeds would be fun and I’m just hoping some might at least have a little extra rough bark
Captain.Bonsai
Mame
They will be fun! I agree it will take years to develop the rough bark. In the meantime I’ll try to ID them by the leaves I guess.
Good luck to you as well. I haven’t heard of Sheffield’s.
Captain.Bonsai
Mame
Thanks for the Sheffield’s tip. I went ahead and got some there too. I’ll play the odds and compare the outcomes.
OP needs to grab some too.
TyroTinker
Shohin
I’ve heard lots of good reviews from Sheffield’s as a reliable source. Maple seeds are extremely variable and will most likely revert to regular maple, but seeds from an Arawaka will have better odds of it. Most of not all of your seeds will most likely not develop rough bark ever. But there is still a chance. They will never be considered Arawaka for that you need a cutting from an Arawaka tree.
dont want to discourage you at all. It’s just something I’ve learned and wanted to make sure you knew as well
Captain.Bonsai
Mame
Thanks. Can I assume a ‘true’ Arakawa is a descendent of an original witches broom or mutated JM somewhere down the ancestral line, only propagated by cutting or air layer? ...and the genotype doesn’t translate to seed very well? If this were the case, I would think reputable seed retailers would add a disclaimer to their product to keep the buyer informed.
This concept is new to me. I’d like to understand it better.
Captain.Bonsai
Mame
I just went back to look... Sheffield’s does actually have a disclaimer attached to a hyperlink at the bottom of the page.
I guess the only thing I can’t grasp is why a seedling is not considered an Arakawa. It’s not a ‘pure’ cultivar based on the genetic variety inherent in all seeds? Thus it cannot be graced with the name Arakawa?
I guess the only thing I can’t grasp is why a seedling is not considered an Arakawa. It’s not a ‘pure’ cultivar based on the genetic variety inherent in all seeds? Thus it cannot be graced with the name Arakawa?
Captain.Bonsai
Mame
Sorry for the hijack. @nover18 is just looking for a damn tree and I’m blabbing on about seeds.
I found this article addressing my questions.
www.google.com
It makes sense. I doubt many would be able to differentiate a ‘rough bark’ propagated by seed from a cutting propagated ‘Arakawa’. Or, maybe a seed will produce a new interesting variety of its own.
Either way, I’ll give it a shot. Anything that reverts can be gifted to friends.
I found this article addressing my questions.
Rough Bark Japanese Maples
The Rough bark Japanese maple, Acer palmatum ‘Arakawa,’ is a beautiful cultivar that exhibits rough bark, which adds impact to a bonsai. The rough bark is interesting and creates a focal point to t…
www.google.com
It makes sense. I doubt many would be able to differentiate a ‘rough bark’ propagated by seed from a cutting propagated ‘Arakawa’. Or, maybe a seed will produce a new interesting variety of its own.
Either way, I’ll give it a shot. Anything that reverts can be gifted to friends.
SouthernMaple
Chumono
he has good maples, i bought a great mikawa off pitoon earlier in the year
SouthernMaple
Chumono
Mach5 got that arakawa from the growing grounds in cherryville nc
SouthernMaple
Chumono
Arakawas are really good at being airlayered according to JD Vertrees
Pitoon
Imperial Masterpiece
Yes, arakawa air layers well. Their cuttings will also strike. The only issue is the time to grow them. People are impatient and want to buy them with rough bark already on them and then complain that they are so expensive.
SouthernMaple
Chumono
Well i think thats the problem with a lot of people getting into bonsai now is that they want instant gratification. I bought a 3 yr old grafted arakawa at bb barns this year for 15 bucks, it won't get bark for another 3 years. i plan on airlayering it and doing softwood cuttings and donate the cuttings to my club this spring, however I am kicking myself for not buying the one at the NC expo this past october that was further along double trunk with bark halfway up for 75 bucks.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
Yeah, kick harder. I want to kick you.
Been trying to get a decent arakawa for a long time, and ended up getting some young grafted plants, growing them out and will layer them come 2020 summer.
SouthernMaple
Chumono
When I bought it in May. I immediately slip potted it into a bonsai mix and a much larger pot. I used the last of my bonsai mix from plant City bonsai, great nursery in NE Georgia.
a few more shots from July at night
And finally some shots from this month
Where would you all recommend where I should do each of the air layers on this tree?
a few more shots from July at night
And finally some shots from this month
Where would you all recommend where I should do each of the air layers on this tree?
penumbra
Imperial Masterpiece
I bought about a dozen on eBay last spring. They were on there own roots and have all done well. Thery were also inexpensive but how much I can't remember. I would never dream of buying now that winter is here but I will be hunting again next spring (late winter).
