Propagating means multiplying a plant using an existing piece of the plant. Propagating cuttings allows a new plant to grow roots faster than if you grow them from seeds.
Using separate containers of powder for the cuttings prevents the spread of disease between the plants. You can buy rooting powder from most lawn and garden centers. Some products are sold as gels, so you may not need to dip the cutting’s stem in water first.
Purchase a simple propagation mixture or make it at home. Good drainage is important for root growth. If the soil becomes waterlogged, the roots will rot instead of thriving.
Insert a few sticks into the soil to keep the bag from touching the cutting. The evaporating moisture is trapped by the bag. This creates a humid environment that nourishes the cutting.
Ensure that the temperature where you keep the cutting is between 65 and 75 °F (18 and 24 °C) to prevent the cutting from drying up. If the area is too cold, buy a heating mat that you can place under the cutting container.
Once the plant is in the ground, you can hydrate it with plain water or willow water.
Read the results for pH, phosphorus, and potassium, since they’re vital for healthy root growth.
If the soil’s pH isn’t between 6 and 7, it’s difficult for the plant to access the phosphate in the soil. Phosphate is important for putting on new root growth and strengthening the current root system.
For example, choose a 3-20-20, which is higher in phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen.
Strain the willow pieces out before using the willow water twice a week on your plants. Store the leftover willow water in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Remember to move the plants to pots that have drainage holes in the bottom. The holes prevent water from becoming trapped near the roots, which could cause them to rot.
