Weeping Willow next step

Discussion in 'Woody Plants' started by harbourlights22, Dec 7, 2007.

  1. harbourlights22

    harbourlights22 Member

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    I learned how to root, prune, and nurture Willows from my father. Since my brother removed his memorial tree , I took it upon myself to plant a few cuttings from it this spring. They're all doing great ... except I may have errored a step potting ...

    Once rooted and sprout I planted them in 8 inch pots to match their size. Well it is below freezing in zone 5 , although I was going to bury the pots as they are cold tolerant, I brought them indoors due to the pot size and lack of information. Was this a mistake? Should they be put outdoors again ? Larger pots next time? Can I try to maintain one indoors as a houseplant by topping off monthly or has this been done ?



    ( My father planted his in a 5 gallon container , not sure why, but I believe to simulate ground planting which protected the roots from freezing. The tree grew to a healthy 45ft tall)
     
  2. globalist1789

    globalist1789 Active Member

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    They absolutely must be outside. If you are worried about the cold, then plant them in the ground while they are still in the pots. A bigger container is not a good idea (see "over potting").
     
  3. harbourlights22

    harbourlights22 Member

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    Thank you for your timely response. I knew they belonged outside but I let my fear get the best of me. Yes, planting pots in ground is what I meant by burying.

    Quite honestly they should be better considering I am an houseplant murderess. Too much attention as you can see, instead of lack of. My outdoor gardens and trees do beautifully though - Mother Nature does a great job.

    Interesting information on over potting. I had never made it to re-potting previous plants but am hoping my recent houseplant collection of gifts will thrive that far.

    thanks again
     
  4. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    In commercial production small plants are often moved from small pots to big, without an intermediate size between. Even so the common problem is not over-potting, it is under-potting (failure to keep up with the growth of the plant, resulting in deformed roots).
     

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