Rooting powder

[davholla]

I have some but it has got very wet.  Can I still use it?

[davholla]

[tonybloke]

don't bother, mate. the stuff is only effective for about 3 weeks once opened, anyway! (try a seaweed solution) ;)

[Amazin]

try a seaweed solution

You wouldn't have a recipe handy would you Tony? I keep kidding myself into buying rooting powder - came across three almost-full packs of the stuff recently - d'oh!

[tonybloke]

SM3 is one brand, there are many others. (I make my own, having access to the waste from the factory that makes said product) ;)

[Baccy Man]

I normally use a salix solution. The exact species of Salix used appears to make little difference. The strength of mixture is entirely dependent on the number and thickness of Willow relative to the volume of water that is used, more willow = stronger solution.
The only real problem I have come across with using a salix solution is when air layering trees I find that rooting takes place over a wider area of the airlayer instead of being confined to the cut area itself. This would result in a more uneven nebari in the future unless these higher roots are removed early on.


Willow root very easily, cuttings from branches up to 5" or 6" thick can be taken at any time of year, placed in regular water and they will root within about 4 weeks. As the cuttings start to root the water takes on a slightly gel-like consistency, the water also seems to leave a slippery residue on your fingers.You will notice the areas of willow that are under water also seem to be coated in transparent gel particularly around the area of the cut surface at the base. This means the solution is now ready to use so the willow cuttings can be dumped.
You can either place your cuttings directly in the solution & leave them to root or you can pot them & use the solution to water them. Either way it seems to make a big difference to the success rate with cuttings. The solution can also be used to encourage root growth on seedlings or plants with poorly developed root systems.

Another method I have seen mentioned regularly but haven't tried is.

Take a few pencil thick branches from a willow tree. Then cut the branches into 1″ pieces. To make a gallon of rooting liquid you will need about 2 cups of the pieces. Place them into a gallon of water on the stove bring to the boil then turn down the heat & let it simmer for at least 1/2 hour . When you turn off the stove stir it well. Leave for for 24 hours. After 24 hours mix again then strain the solution. It is now ready to use.

[Amazin]

Nice one - thanks both!

[davholla]

Sadly I live in London and do not have easy access to willow trees or seaweed.
Any other ideas?