Curly willow is a popular ornamental plant that is known for its beautiful, cascading branches. The plant is native to China and Japan, but it has been introduced to many other countries. Curly willow is often used as an accent plant in gardens, or as a standalone specimen. The plant is easy to care for and requires little maintenance.
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About soil condition, the best place to grow a curly willow is in moist to wet soil that is also well-drained. This tree does not like to sit in waterlogged conditions and will start to show signs of stress if the roots are constantly wet. If you have a naturally wet site, consider planting the tree on a raised berm to help improve drainage. Curly willows also prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
So, like the other trees, willows need sunlight to grow. They typically prefer full sun, but can tolerate some shade. If your willow isn't getting enough sun, it may not grow as large as it could, or it may have fewer leaves than normal.
The temperature condition for curly willow is cool to cold. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Curly willow can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers sandy or loamy soil. The plant is drought tolerant and does not tolerate wet conditions. Curly willow is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity reaches 60%, the plant will start to experience some problems. The leaves will begin to droop and the plant will start to wilt. If the humidity drops below 40%, the plant will also start to experience some problems. The leaves will begin to turn brown and the plant will start to die.
Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant also need good drainage and regular watering when the top layer of the soil becomes dry. The roots of the weeping willow are known to be aggressive and invasive, so make sure to plant them in an area where their growth will not be a problem.
Pruning is an important part of caring for a curly willow. The plant can become overgrown and leggy if it is not pruned regularly. Pruning also encourages new growth, which can make the plant fuller and more attractive. When pruning a curly willow, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Cut back the plant by about one-third its total height. This will encourage new growth and help to keep the plant from becoming overgrown.
Propagation is relatively easy with rooting stem cuttings taken in late spring through midsummer. Cuttings should be 8 to 12 inches long and taken from young, vigorously growing wood. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and insert it into moistened sand, peat, or vermiculite. Maintain high humidity around the cutting by enclosing it with clear plastic. Rooting should occur in four to six weeks. When the cuttings have rooted, pot them up and grow them on under bright light.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's growing conditions. However, the average curly willow grows between six and twelve inches per year. If a curly willow is planted in ideal conditions, it can grow up to two feet per year.
Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, sawflies, and willow lace bugs. These pests can cause the leaves to turn brown and curl up. To control these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Source:
Willowpedia School of Integrative Plant Sciences
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