Accidental Hydroponic Success...Now Needs Support

by Penny
(Virginia)

I bought 5 long curly willow branches at Costco as a decorative idea in March. I placed them in tap water. My hope was that they would look good for several weeks and maybe have foilage. Now it is June and I have enjoyed watching a mass of roots accumulate and wonderful leaves pop out. Not knowing anything, I made an effort to add water in such a way that it created bubbles. That's it.

I can tell the branches need something more now...some of the thin branches are drying up, and now some of the leaves are getting brown and dropping off...I don't see any new growth coming...Can you recommend the right nutrients or some simple way for me to maintain this arrangement...that is what it really is...a stunning, large, four- five foot branch arrangement that came to life! I am worried it might have run its course? It is sitting in a large glass vase that holds about 1/2 gallon of water. I am living in a loft that gives it great non-direct light during the day only. I think I was lucky! I would appreciate your suggestion, Jason.

Answer: Penny- Very interesting post! Your experiment has grown a mass of roots and (at first) some new leaves- this tells me that your willow cuttings have not "run their course", as you were thinking. The cuttings have become accustomed to the lighting conditions provided; however, the plants are now starving for a little food.

Any regular plant food should do. I recommend something balanced, unless you have more specific information as to their requirements. A fertilizer such as 3-3-2, 8-6-6, or 12-12-12 would all be just fine to use. I suggest using a 50% strength nutrient solution, and change it with plain water every other water change. In addition to the major nutrients, try to add a little liquid seaweed. This will provide secondary nutrients, trace nutrients, as well as much needed plant hormones. Hope this helps you out Penny, and Happy Growing!