[Qwe]

So I've read plenty accounts of people using a willow branch to soak up nutrients and combat algae in their tanks, but I haven't found an account of someone actually growing one riparium-style. Has anyone tried this? Could it be kept small (i.e. bonsai) or would it quickly outgrow a tank?

Thanks for any info

 

[Qwe]

Sweet, whenever I try it I'll make sure to record my results then!

 

[AquaAurora]

I do not know of anyone using it for aquarium/riparium/vivarium etc etc, but I do know willow branches take root insanely easy. My in-laws have a willow tree and about 7 years ago a storm snapped a branch it stabbed into the ground (broken piece speared into the dirt) and had rooted within a couple weeks when they went to pull it out (and throw it out). Now they have a second smaller willow that's quickly catching up to its 'mother' in size.
Look forward to seeing how it goes for you! Hopefully it doesn't magically explode with growth and you wake up to it bursting out of your houses' roof one morning ^^

 

[JeffE]

Is there any pictures of anyone using willow branches in their tanks?

 

[wicca27]

yes it can be done. my mother has a cork screw willow in her front yard and in the spring we cut small twigs and stick the cut end into the tank to root then plant in soil. one spring i even took and stuck a whole twig (6-8 inches long maybe as big around as a #2 pencil ) all the way under the water. it lost its leaves and did sprout roots. after about a month it got these odd pine cone looking things on it. by that time i had moved to ky and couldnt get pics. she ended up pulling it out due to the amount of roots. but yes it can be done