There has been a lot of discussion on the boards about propagation methods for Japanese Maples and which one is THE best. Furthermore it seems to have been simplified into two methods: grafting versus own their own roots. That seems to me to be an oversimplification. The on their own roots category seems to contain air layering, seed propagation, and cuttings/leaves stimulated with rooting hormone. Obviously those three methods are vastly different and it would be confusing to lump results together. But what I find truly puzzling is those who assert one method or the other is THE best method for ALL Japanese Maples. Given that we know Japanese Maples have a high genetic diversity it seems implicit that what might be the best method for one cultivar might not be the best for others. And while what worked best for the parent of a new mutation would be a good bet for the offspring it cannot be assumed to be so.
I think the "BEST" method depends on the end goal. If you're interested in Bonsai the air-layering method may be the best (no graft unions, slower growth, etc.). If you're trying to grow plants commercially, grafting may be the best (quickest, easiest to accomplish, etc.). If you're a hobbyist, growing plants from seeds may be the most fun and rewarding method - or one could try ALL methods and see which one works the best for YOU! That's my plan, anyway. :-) I think grafting is the most popular because its the easiest way for wholesalers to produce many cloned trees economically that mature quickly. That certainly doesn't invalidate other methods. By the way, I just got a catalogue (Kinsman Co.) that has these cool air-layering pots for sale. They come in two sections, and they have a special rooting medium that comes pre-formed in the shape of the pot. You put the rooting medium in the pot, prep the limb you want to root, then put each half of the pot over the limb and close it up. Then you just add water and wait! It holds enough water for a week at a time, and after the appropriate wait you take off the pot, cut the rooted branch, and plant it! The pots are re-usable too. I'm going to try some...
I agree with you. I would use seeds to propagate for instance acer diabolicum or acer carpinifolium while I would use grafting for acer palmatum 'Shin higasa' Gomero
