Crazy Diamond
Omono
Years ago I rooted Salix canariensis in water and when I put them in soil they did the same I guess they need to adapt, but then they sprouted back without problems
Weak willow help
- Thread starter jwell
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- help and care willlow
Larrytx
Sapling
Larrytx
Sapling
jwell
Seedling
So an Australian willow(or geijera parviflora) doesn’t require as much water because it’s from an arid environment, but since you think mine is actually an Austree(Salix mix), would you think it needs more water like normal willow?
Mikecheck123
Omono
Yes.
The Geijeira variety is planted extensively in California due to its drought and sun tolerance. They even do well in parking lots.
n8
Chumono
Whatever I have lying around. Doesn't seem to matter.
RKatzin
Omono
It's better to start cuttings in some soil. I use the fines from my pumice sifting, but seed starter mix would be as good, or perlite.
The important thing is to keep the cuttings hydrated while they make roots. I use a simple humidity hut which is just a clear plastic tub turned upside down over the flats of cuttings. You can take coat hanger wire and stick a few in the pots and then wrap clear plastic around the frame you make. I let it get morning sun and then shade the rest of the day. Works like a charm. Last year's cuttings are showing about ninety percent success this spring.
The important thing is to keep the cuttings hydrated while they make roots. I use a simple humidity hut which is just a clear plastic tub turned upside down over the flats of cuttings. You can take coat hanger wire and stick a few in the pots and then wrap clear plastic around the frame you make. I let it get morning sun and then shade the rest of the day. Works like a charm. Last year's cuttings are showing about ninety percent success this spring.
Mikecheck123
Omono
Sticking in a cup of water is far simpler and fool proof.
RKatzin
Omono
No, simpler is not always better and certainly not goof proof. I believe the op's initial problem was starting the cuttings in water. I go right from the tree to a pot of pumice. Keep it wet and watch it grow, mostly. I was losing about fifty percent. So I started doing the humidity hut thing and definitely getting more bang for my buck with the added humidity. I'm starting trees that are a lot harder to root than willow. Junipers and Japanese Maples, Dawn Redwood, Larch and some Korean hornbeams.
Mikecheck123
Omono
Good advice in general. Overly complicated for willows.
RKatzin
Omono
Well, right, but I was just thinking if he put the wilted willows in a little humidity it might revive them.
,,
Mike Corazzi
Masterpiece
The only willow I had lived in a goldfish bathtub. Aquatic soil in a deep pot and the pot sitting on a concrete block half submerged in the water.
It loved it. Had to keep it trimmed back at least every other week.
Roots escaped all the time and the fish loved them.
It loved it. Had to keep it trimmed back at least every other week.
Roots escaped all the time and the fish loved them.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
This is a salix hybrid. Salix Matsudana
And White Willow
Salix alba - Wikipedia
Both seem to like water, but it is apparently a little more drought tolerant than Weeping willow (salix babylonica).
Mike Corazzi
Masterpiece
Mikecheck123
Omono
I created an unintentional data point regarding willow soils. I slip potted my dwarf 'yatsubusa' willow into a huge pot with potting soil.
But it was cold and the leaves started wilting. No bueno!
I redid it back into proper bonsai soil and it's back in the saddle now.
The point of my cool story is that I'm convinced more than ever that willows like bonsai soil the best, even though they can thrive in very wet environments.
But it was cold and the leaves started wilting. No bueno!
I redid it back into proper bonsai soil and it's back in the saddle now.
The point of my cool story is that I'm convinced more than ever that willows like bonsai soil the best, even though they can thrive in very wet environments.
Wulfskaar
Omono
I got some Salix alba (White willow) cuttings for Christmas. I put them in a jar of water and the roots and leaves are growing quickly.
It seems the consensus of this thread is that bonsai soil is a good choice.
But... what if I live in southern California? Since it loves water, should I just add a higher percentage of akadama or organic components? Or can I just get away with putting the pot in a dish of water?
It seems the consensus of this thread is that bonsai soil is a good choice.
But... what if I live in southern California? Since it loves water, should I just add a higher percentage of akadama or organic components? Or can I just get away with putting the pot in a dish of water?
