AusBonsai

...is the water left in the bucket after willow cuttings are removed when they have enough roots.
I have heard (FROM AN OLD WIFE)that willow water is helpful when watering any cuttings of other species. anybody else heard this

Willow water contains salicylic acid which is what the active ingredient in Asprin is derived from. It's supposed to help a trigger an immune response in plants to help fight infection, so it's especially useful on cuttings.

I've never done an experiment but there's a ton of stuff about it on the Internet (but take it with a pinch of salt).

Matt.

I think there could also be natural rooting hormones in the water from the willow as well that may have a beneficial effect on the cuttings. Again I have read a lot but not actually tried it but I have a friend currently doing an experiment with a High School Ag class. I'll find out whether they get any results and let you know.

I have used willow water in the past on chinese elms and I honestly believe it is effective. Healthy roots formed radially in water. Willow cuttings themselves also root very easily.

Thanks for the positive input Granite.
Chinese elms root quite happily without any treatment so it is possible the willow water was not responsible.
Has anyone done a side by side comparison - no treatment V willow water? I think that's what is needed to decide this one way or the other.

HI guys I did a small trial making and using willow water way back in 08-09 , it appears to work quite well for striking cuttings however it also killed a few small plants when used as a fertilizer /tonic .

From memory as a tonic , the rooted deciduous cuttings dropped their leaves and never really recovered , I know the small pines I used it on died and I'm quite sure some small elms and maples were lost as well hence the reason I don't use it any more

As a rooting medium its easier to go out and buy rooting power or gel , its not worth the risk as a tonic/fert'

Cheers Alpineart

many thanks for all the input--if it contains salicylic acid could it be also used to lower soil ph for acid lovers?

tgward wrote:many thanks for all the input--if it contains salicylic acid could it be also used to lower soil ph for acid lovers?

Why just use soil appropriate for acid loving trees?
I assume Azaleas and the like for which Kanuma is the preferred product in Japan and also my garden

Ken