The methodCut a few thin willow twigs, ideally fresh new growth taken in late winter or early spring when the hormone is most concentrated. Stand your fresh cuttings in the willow water to root. Two of the plain water cuttings grew shorter roots more slowly; the rest went limp. Indolebutyric acid promotes growth, while salicylic acid helps protect the cutting from bacteria and fungi that cause rot. It won’t outperform a good commercial hormone on a difficult plant, but for everyday houseplant propagation, willow water is ancient wisdom that genuinely works.