willow water

[tgward]

...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

[Matt S]

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.

[shibui]

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.

[Granite]

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.

[shibui]

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.

[alpineart]

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

[tgward]

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

[kcpoole]

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