when to sever from mother plant

Everyone who sees my dappled willow bush wants one. I have 3 pots with small softwood branches pinned down into them, since March. I can see that there are roots, about an inch long. Since I've never done this before, I ask the experts here: When is it okay to cut the branch from the mother bush? I cut one last month and it was obviously too early as it looks very dead. The leaves died. I'm keeping it watered just in case. Thanks for any help.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56310/

Aren't they beautiful? Lowe's had a weird sale last fall and I picked up 3 1 gallons for 3.33 apiece last fall. Score!

I really don't know the answer to your question, but as a good guess, I'd leave 'em growing their roots for at least a month or so, long enough to get a good system going. I do know that willow roots very easily, so given the chance, they should do well for you.

If no one with more information comes along, I'd suggest trying the tree & shrub forum. Best of luck!

Thanks Pagancat, I've decided to just leave them alone for now, so what if there are pots in the yard, haha, DH will just have to live with it. The caladiums are coming up in the pots (I forgot they were in there) so it won't hurt to just leave them, unless I hear otherwise.

You are so welcome.

Never heard of a dappled willow bush, cathy4, but I've had good luck with layering many different species by pinning them, and watching for root growth like you describe. Once I see evidence of roots, I (carefully) dig up the ball of earth that contains the roots and lift the whole mass to a one gallon pot filled with potting soil and some slow-release fertilizer---in situ. I do not sever the connection to the mother plant at this point. Once the roots have grown into the potting soil (usually 3-4 weeks---requires watering attentiveness) then I snip the connection to Momma. I leave the pot in place constantly watering for another 3-4 weeks, then move it wherever it needs to go. It's a full-blown teen-ager by then, and doesn't really care what you think it needs...

Thanks Stono!

Hi Cat:
I have been dabbling in propagation of the dappled willow. So far the cuttings survive about 70%. I mist 2x daily and have some that will be ready to plant in a couple of weeks. I think the mistak I am doing with everyone else is helping the willow in that I use peat in my mix and I am thinking the plants that I have been fighting are just too happy with the conditions so why root out. I have a burford holly 6 months old not one root nadda... I am going to switch up to bark and perlite on the ones that are fighting me. I am used to having semi tropical conditions and I am having to adapt to colder conditions in propagation. I am going to stop earlier and start later. I will keep you posted
Dave

Thanks Dave, I'll be watching!