Acer palmatum is a species widely used in landscaping in southern Brazil. It has some limitations in propagation via seeds, therefore, cutting is a viable propagation method, especially when plant regulators and plant substrates are properly. The objective was to evaluate substrate and solvent compositions for indolebutyric acid (IBA) dissolution in the rooting of Acer palmatum cuttings. Apical herbaceous cuttings were used and inserted for five seconds in IBA solution (8 g L-1) diluted in hydroalcoholic solvents (50%) and potassium hydroxide (0.5 M KOH). Then, they were established in multicellular trays with substrates carbonized rice husk (CRH) and expanded clay (EXCL), isolates and in mixtures (1:1; 2:1 and 1:2, v/v). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 5 bifactorial scheme (forms of dissolution of IBA x substrates), in four replications of 10 cuttings. The results showed no interaction between the factors. However, the dissolution of IBA in KOH and the substrates CRH and EXCL (1:2 and 2:1, v/v) provided higher rooting and leaf retention. In addition, the substrates showed greater root dry mass and aerial part for cutting development. Therefore, vegetative propagation of Acer palmatum through cuttings is more appropriate with the dissolution of IBA with KOH solvent (66.84% rooting) and formulated substrates CRH and EXCL (1:2 and 2:1, v/v) (66.87% rooting).