Willow water is thought to be both a mild disinfectant and natural rooting hormone for use on cuttings. Willow water is made by steeping small pieces of willow stems (from the genus Salix in boiled water overnight. A typical receipe calls for 2 cups of willow pieces cut in 2 to 3 inch strips and half a gallon of boiling water.

Some rose rustlers make a batch of willow water to soak cuttings overnight before they are "stuck" or prepared for rooting.