Willows don't need hormone powder to root they root on their own quite well. In many cases soaking willow stems in water for 48 hours you can make your own hormone rooting product for free.
Indolebutyric acid (IBA) is a plant hormone that stimulates root growth. It is present in high concentrations in the growing tips of willow branches. By using the actively growing parts of a willow branch, cutting them, and soaking them in water, you can get significant quantities of IBA to leach out into the water. Provided the plant is open to this particular hormone.
I used this technique on stems from many Varieties of geraniums, hebes, hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, and many herbs, trees, and shrubs. Many plants simply root easily on their own without root hormone. Apply a light coating of powder hormones. If the cutting is coated to heavily it will rot. Technique is important. Also check with your local county extension service and the Master Gardner program they have brochures on plants that require a hormone to root and those that do not. Also the right temperature and soil temp is important . Always use sterile soil to prevent bacteria from infecting the cuttings. Using sterile sharp knives when taking and preparing cuttings, wipe knife with alcohol after each cutting.
Cinnamon applied on the cutting end to prevent bacteria from entering before placing in sterile soil is helpful for cacti, succulents or desert roses.
I apply cinnamon on the side of a cacti above the soil after removing a rotted spot from the plant to contain the infection.
It's important what time of year and what type of plant the stem cutting is taken from most shrubs, trees and flowering plants.
