Willow Water

A rooting hormone mixture made from willow twigs and branches steeped in water.

Willow branches have a high concentration of salicylic acid and other indole compounds in their growing tips and twigs. Small branches of willow trees root easily in moist wet conditions as a result of this. To make willow water, cut up several fresh pencil sized willow twigs, remove leaves if any, steep them overnight in room temperature water. This water leaches out the plant hormones in the twigs that aid the rooting process. Cuttings can then be placed in this water to root more quickly or can be planted and watered with the willow water.

Salicylic acid also conveys systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and can be used to trigger a plant's natural defenses against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Resistance to pathogens can seriously help an injured plant such as a cutting or transplant that has repair work to do. If you don't have willow trees growing near by do not despair there are a number of other plants that produce salicin and salicylic acid.

In a pinch you can even use asprin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. About 1 asprin to 1 gallon of water (3 asprin/4 galons water). As asprin produces a much stronger mixture be sure to error on the side of caution and add a little extra water. If mixed too strong and the asprin can be toxic to plants. With willow water your mixture should be just right. Refridgerate or freeze unused willow water for future use and warm to room temperature before using.