Should I remove a different acer growing from my potted one?

[BooseysMom]

I have this lovely acer palmatum which is quite young and doing well in a pot, but another acer has started growing out of it. The original is a bloodgood I think and the new one looks like an orange dream. Can anyone advise whether I should cut the new one off? Thanks. It won't let me post a photo sorry!

I would dig down, cut it off so it has some root attached, and pot it up separately. If it takes it takes. I wouldn't leave it

Most Japanese maple varieties don't grow particularly well on their own roots and are usually grafted onto a strong-growing variety. Have a look lower down the trunk, and you should be able to see the graft line, it is often a lumpy bulge or the colour of the bark is different. The rogue branch is probably coming from the rootstock below the graft, so you will need to remove it or it will take over. Cut it flush close to the trunk, and smear a little vaseline over the cut area to seal it and prevent nasties from getting in. You can also use a blob of plasticine if you have any.

TonTonMacoute & Yamadori
Thank you so much for the advice. Young leaves of the new plant are starting to appear from the base of the original plant so I need to remove it quickly.

I've had success with two acer seedlings or offshoots. Well, I say I have, my mum potted them on, got them to a good size and then I planted them in my garden. We'll never know quite what they are, but they were free!!!

Ramblingaway
That's interesting thanks. I love acers so I can never have enough! I'll try digging the new one out and re-potting it. They never do well in the ground as it's heavy clay and they just rot.