PUSHING THE BORDERS

Yesterday I took a trip out to see Bonsai artist and author Harry Harrington just for a mooch and a chat https://www.facebook.com/GrubsJungleHid ... ed_comment , whilst chatting about propagation Harry mentioned the use of willow water and it's ability in promoting root growth even when other roots are already present (apparently if roots are present rooting hormone will inhibit rather than promote growth). Harry sent me a link to this article http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATwillow%20water.html and as such I was wondering if anyone has tried it and perhaps with things like Colocasias it might promote more stolon runners, rooting Yuccas, bedding in new palms, any thoughts? Could this be the key to easy Schefflera propagation?

Interesting article Grub, most be worth a try. I want to propagate my Salix fargesii so I'll keep the water and see if that helps with rooting some Begonia and other cuttings.

AndyC wrote:Interesting article Grub, most be worth a try. I want to propagate my Salix fargesii so I'll keep the water and see if that helps with rooting some Begonia and other cuttings.

;) In that case I'm looking forward to the results.

*Edit* Harry did say that 'pussy willow' with the big catkins doesn't work, I of course, have no idea what he was talking about :lol:

Could be why aspirin in water aids propagation, I seem to recall aspirin was originally derived from willow bark?

charlie wrote:Could be why aspirin in water aids propagation, I seem to recall aspirin was originally derived from willow bark?

Aspirin-type drugs are known as 'salicylates', as in 'Salix'.

So that's a 'yes'.